Apparatuses, systems, and methods for extraction and/or storage of energy from moving fluids

ABSTRACT

This disclosure includes various embodiments of apparatuses for encapsulating and stopping a flowing mass of fluid (e.g., liquid such as water, or gas such as air) to extract the kinetic energy from the mass, and for exhausting the mass once stopped (spent mass, from which kinetic energy has been extracted). This disclosure also includes various embodiments of systems comprising a plurality of the present apparatuses coupled together and/or one or more of the present apparatuses in combination with one or more flow resistance modifiers (FRMs). This disclosure also includes various embodiments of methods of extracting kinetic energy from a flowing mass of fluid (e.g., liquid such as water, or gas such as air) by stopping the mass, and for exhausting the mass once stopped (spent mass, from which kinetic energy has been extracted). This disclosure also includes embodiments of mechanical energy-storage or accumulation devices.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a national phase application under 35 U.S.C. § 371of International Application No. PCT/US2013/031277 filed Mar. 14, 2013,which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/622,189,filed Apr. 10, 2012; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/654,596,filed Jun. 1, 2012; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/657,742, filed Jun. 9, 2012; all of which are incorporated byreference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to renewable energy extractionand, more particularly, but not by way of limitation; to apparatuses,systems, and methods for extraction and/or storage of energy from movingfluids (e.g., tidal flows, river flows, etc.).

2. Description of Related Art

Examples of structures for extracting energy from moving fluids aredisclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/830,432, filed Jul. 5,2010 and published as US 2011/0229318.

After years of efforts, known methods of harvesting the energy innaturally-flowing waters are limited. Naturally renewable andsustainable energy sources include water, wind, solar, and geothermalsources. However, wind and solar have most-often been the focus ofrecent efforts. Despite billions of dollars spent on research andsubsidies; solar, wind, and geothermal energy sources currently providea very small percentage of current energy consumption. Geothermal energysources in the United States is available in limited geographiclocations; wind power often require consistent and relatively-highspeeds, as well as large land areas; and solar panels are limited todaylight hours (e.g., even high-efficiency solar panels in labconditions are often only about 8% efficient). Water is often neglectedin current efforts to advance renewable-energy technology, perhapsbecause it has historically required massive dam projects withsignificant environmental impact.

SUMMARY

This disclosure includes embodiments of apparatuses, systems, andmethods for extraction and/or storage of energy from moving fluids(e.g., tidal flows, river flows, etc.).

Some embodiments of the present apparatuses comprise: a body defining anencapsulation channel having an inlet and an outlet; a partition coupledto the channel such that the partition can move in a downstreamdirection that extends away from the inlet, or in an upstream directionthat extends toward the inlet; and an exhaust mechanism, at least aportion of the exhaust mechanism being more directly coupled to the bodythan to the partition; where the partition is configured to be coupledto a load such that if a mass of fluid (e.g., liquid) enters the inletof the channel with an initial flow velocity in the downstreamdirection, the partition will decrease the flow velocity of the mass tozero and transfer a portion (e.g., up to and including substantiallyall) of the kinetic energy of the mass of fluid to the load; and wherethe exhaust mechanism is configured to, after the flow velocity reacheszero, exhaust the mass of fluid (e.g., liquid) from the channel. Someembodiments comprise an energy storage mechanism including a resilientmaterial configured to be compressed as the partition moves in thedownstream direction, and/or an energy storage mechanism configured toraise a ballast member as the partition moves in the downstreamdirection. In some embodiments, the energy storage mechanism isconfigured to be coupled to the load such that the portion of thekinetic energy is transferred from the partition to the load through theenergy storage mechanism.

In some embodiments of the present apparatuses, the partition comprisesa flexible sheet and the apparatus is configured to function with air oranother compressible medium as the mass of flowing fluid. In someembodiments, (e.g., in which the load comprises a flywheel), and theapparatus further comprises: a pair of guides disposed on opposing sidesof the channel, each guide defining a first closed-loop path and asecond closed-loop path that partially overlaps the first closed-looppath; a first chain coupled to one of the guides and movable along thefirst closed-loop path; a second chain coupled to one of the guides andmovable along the second closed-loop path; and a first pair of sprocketscoupled to opposing ends of the partition and configured to bealternatingly coupled to the first and second chains such that: (i)movement of the partition in the downstream direction encouragesmovement of at least one of the first and second chains to rotate theflywheel; and (ii) rotation of the flywheel encourages movement of atleast one of the first and second chains to move the partition in anupstream direction. In some embodiments, the partition is a firstpartition, and the apparatus further comprises: a second partitioncoupled to the channel such that the second partition can move in adownstream direction that extends away from the inlet, or in an upstreamdirection that extends toward the inlet; and a second pair of sprocketscoupled to opposing ends of the second partition and configured to bealternatingly coupled to the first and second chains such that: (i)movement of the second partition in the downstream direction encouragesmovement of at least one of the first and second chains to rotate theflywheel; and (ii) rotation of the flywheel encourages movement of atleast one of the first and second chains to move the second partition inan upstream direction; where the apparatus is configured such that thesecond partition moves in an upstream direction if the first partitionmoves in a downstream direction, and the first partition moves in anupstream direction if the second partition moves in a downstreamdirection. In some embodiments, the partition is configured to extendacross the channel if the partition is moving in the downstreamdirection and to not extend across the channel if the partition ismoving in the upstream direction. In some embodiments, the exhaustmechanism is configured to position both ends of the partition on asingle side of the channel to permit the fluid to exit the outlet.

In some embodiments, the partition is coupled to the load by a transfermechanism configured such that a unit of linear motion of the partitionin the downstream direction can generate 4 or more units of motion atthe load. In some embodiments, the load comprises a rotatable shaft. Insome embodiments, the transfer mechanism comprises: a plurality of firstpulleys coupled in fixed relation to the body such that the plurality offirst pulleys are spaced apart from one another across a transversedimension of the channel; a plurality of second pulleys coupled in fixedrelation to the partition such that the plurality of second pulleys arespaced apart from one another across a transverse dimension of thepartition, the plurality of second pulleys offset from the plurality offirst pulleys; a cable extending between the plurality of first pulleys,the cable having a first end and a second end; where the transfermechanism is configured such that if the partition moves in thedownstream direction, the plurality of first pulleys and the pluralityof second pulleys will engage the cable to pull a length of the cableaway from the shaft and apply torque to the shaft. In some embodiments,the plurality of second pulleys will engage the cable pull a length ofthe cable away from the shaft and apply to torque to the entire momentof inertia of the shaft. In some embodiments, the length of cable pulledaway from the shaft is at least 4 times the length of motion of thepartition.

In some embodiments, the exhaust mechanism is configured to use gravityto exhaust the mass of fluid (e.g., liquid). In some embodiments of thepresent apparatuses, the exhaust mechanism comprises an openable bottomin the channel, the bottom configured to be alternated between: (i) aclosed state in which liquid is substantially prevented from flowing outof the channel through the bottom; and (ii) an open state in whichliquid is permitted to flow out of the channel through the bottom. Insome embodiments, the bottom is coupled to the partition such that thebottom is in the closed state when the partition moves in the downstreamdirection. In some embodiments, the partition is coupled to the bottomsuch that the bottom is in the open state when the partition moves inthe upstream direction. In some embodiments, the bottom comprises one ormore gates configured to be opened by gravity acting on liquid in thechannel and the gates to cause the bottom to transition from the closedstate to the open state. In some embodiments, the bottom comprises aplurality of gates. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprisesone or more paddle wheels, turbines, or flywheels configured to beturned by liquid exiting the bottom when the bottom is in the openstate. In some embodiments, the paddle wheel, turbine, or flywheel iscoupled to the partition to move the partition in the upstreamdirection. In some embodiments, the bottom is coupled to the partitionsuch that the bottom is permitted to transition from the closed state tothe open state after the partition has decreased the flow velocity of amass of water to zero. In some embodiments, the partition is configuredto be alternated between: (i) a closed state in which the partition willmove in the downstream direction if a mass of fluid (e.g., liquid) flowsinto the channel; and (ii) an open state in which the partition willpermit liquid to flow through the partition; where the bottom is coupledto the partition such that the bottom is in the closed state when thepartition is in the closed state. In some embodiments of the presentapparatuses, the body defines a second encapsulation channel having aninlet and an outlet, and the apparatus further comprises: a secondpartition coupled to the second channel such that the second partitioncan move in a downstream direction that extends away from the inlet, orin an upstream direction that extends toward the inlet; and a secondexhaust mechanism, at least a portion of the second exhaust mechanismbeing more directly coupled to the body than to the second partition;where the second partition is configured to be coupled to a load suchthat if a mass of fluid (e.g., liquid) enters the inlet of the secondchannel with an initial flow velocity in the downstream direction, thesecond partition will decrease the flow velocity of the mass to zero andtransfer a portion (e.g., up to and including substantially all) of thekinetic energy of the mass of fluid to the load; where the secondexhaust mechanism is configured to, after the flow velocity reacheszero, exhaust the mass of fluid (e.g., liquid) from the second channel;and where the second exhaust mechanism comprises an openable secondbottom in the second channel, the openable second bottom configured tobe alternated between: (i) a closed state in which liquid issubstantially prevented from flowing out of the second channel throughthe second bottom; and (ii) an open state in which liquid is permittedto flow out of the second channel through the second bottom. In someembodiments, the second bottom is coupled to the second partition suchthat the second bottom in the closed state when the second partitionmoves in the downstream direction. In some embodiments, the bottom inthe first channel is coupled to the second bottom such that the bottomin the first channel is in the open state when the second bottom is inthe closed state. In some embodiments, the second partition is coupledto the second bottom such that the second bottom is in the open statewhen the second partition moves in the upstream direction. In someembodiments, the second bottom comprises one or more gates configured tobe opened by gravity acting on liquid in the channel and the gates tocause the second bottom to transition from the closed state to the openstate. In some embodiments, the second bottom comprises a plurality ofgates. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises one or morepaddle wheels, turbines, or flywheels configured to be turned by liquidexiting the second bottom when the second bottom is in the open state.In some embodiments, the paddle wheel, turbine, or flywheel is coupledto the second partition to move the second partition in the upstreamdirection. In some embodiments, the second bottom is coupled to thesecond partition such that the second bottom is permitted to transitionfrom the closed state to the open state after the second partition hasdecreased the flow velocity of a mass of water to zero. In someembodiments, the second partition is configured to be alternatedbetween: (i) a closed state in which the second partition will move inthe downstream direction if a mass of fluid (e.g., liquid) flows intothe channel; and (ii) an open state in which the second partition willpermit liquid to flow through the second partition; and where the secondbottom is coupled to the second partition such that the second bottom isin the closed state when the second partition is in the closed state.

Some embodiments of the present apparatuses further comprise: a firstbarrier coupled to the inlet of the first channel (e.g., where the firstbarrier is configured to be alternated between: (i) a closed state inwhich liquid is substantially prevented from flowing into the firstchannel; and (ii) an open state in which liquid is permitted to flowinto the first channel); and a second barrier coupled to the inlet ofthe second channel (e.g., where the second barrier is configured to bealternated between: (i) a closed state in which liquid is substantiallyprevented from flowing into the second channel; and (ii) an open statein which liquid is permitted to flow into the second channel. In someembodiments, the first barrier is configured to direct liquid into thesecond channel when in the closed state, and the second barrier isconfigured to direct liquid into the first channel when in the closedstate. In some embodiments, the first barrier is coupled to the secondbarrier such that the first barrier is in the open state when the secondbarrier is in the closed state.

In some embodiments of the present apparatuses, the length of theencapsulation channel is adjustable. Some embodiments further comprise:a controller configured to adjust the length of the encapsulationchannel responsive to changes in flow rate of water entering the inlet.

In some embodiments, the exhaust mechanism is configured to intakeliquid flowing adjacent to the channel to exhaust the mass of fluid(e.g., liquid). In some embodiments of the present apparatuses, theexhaust mechanism a second channel having an inlet and an outlet, andthe apparatus further comprises: a first barrier between the firstchannel and the second channel (e.g., where the first barrier isconfigured to be alternated between: (i) a closed state in which liquidis substantially prevented from flowing from the second channel into thefirst channel; and (ii) an open state in which liquid is permitted toflow from the second channel into the first channel); and where thepartition is configured to be alternated between: (i) a closed state inwhich the partition will move in the downstream direction if a mass offluid (e.g., liquid) flows into the channel; and (ii) an open state inwhich the partition will permit liquid to flow through the partition;and where the first barrier is coupled to the partition such that thefirst barrier is in the closed state when the partition moves in thedownstream direction. Some embodiments further comprise: a secondbarrier extending across the second channel, the second barrier disposedbetween the first barrier and the outlet of the second channel, and thesecond barrier configured to be alternated between: (i) an open state inwhich liquid is permitted to flow out of the second channel through theoutlet; and (ii) a closed state in which the second barrier isconfigured to resist liquid flow out of the second channel through theoutlet. In some embodiments, the second barrier is coupled to thepartition such that the second barrier is in the closed state when thepartition moves in the upstream direction.

Some embodiments of the present apparatuses further comprise: a paddlewheel, turbine, or flywheel configured to be turned by liquid exitingthe second channel, the paddle wheel, turbine, or flywheel coupled tothe first barrier and the second barrier, and configured to: (i) movethe first barrier between the closed state and the open state, and (ii)move the second barrier between the open state and the closed state. Insome embodiments, the paddle wheel, turbine, or flywheel is coupled tothe partition to move the partition in the upstream direction. In someembodiments, the first barrier is coupled to the partition such that thefirst barrier is permitted to transition from the closed state to theopen state after the partition has decreased the flow velocity of a massof water to zero.

In some embodiments, the present apparatuses are used (e.g., as in asystem) and/or shipped in combination with one or more flow resistancemodifiers (FRMs) configured to be disposed in a river or other flowingwaterway with the apparatus to resist the flow of water around theapparatus. In some embodiments, the one or more FRMs comprise astructure having an overall density that is less than the density ofwater. In some embodiments, one or more characteristics of the one ormore FRMs are adjustable to vary the resistance to flow. In someembodiments, the one or more FRMs comprise a balloon or bag. In someembodiments, the one or more FRMs are configured to be tethered to thebottom of a river or other flowing waterway. In some embodiments, theone or more FRMs are movably coupled to the bottom of a river or otherflowing waterway.

Some embodiments of the present systems comprise a plurality of thepresent apparatuses coupled to a common energy sink.

Some embodiments of the present methods comprise: receiving kineticenergy from the partition of one of the present apparatuses; where theapparatus is disposed in fluid communication with a body of water suchthat the inlet can receive liquid from the body of water through thefirst end of the channel(s). In some embodiments, the apparatus isconfigured to receive liquid via a dam. In some embodiments, theapparatus is configured to receive liquid via one or more penstocks. Insome embodiments, the bottom of the apparatus is not submerged inliquid. In some embodiments, the apparatus is at least partiallysubmerged in a river or other flowing waterway. In some embodiments inwhich the apparatus is used in combination with one or more FRMs, theone or more FRMs are disposed between the apparatus and at least onebank of the river or other flowing waterway. In some embodiments, theone or more FRMs are tethered to the bottom of the river or otherflowing waterway.

Some embodiments of the present methods comprise: receiving kineticenergy from the partition of one of the present apparatuses; where theapparatus is disposed in fluid communication with a body of water havingtidal flows such that the tidal flows direct liquid toward the first endof the channel(s); and where the apparatus is submerged in the body ofwater.

Some embodiments of the present systems comprise: an embodiment of thepresent apparatuses; and one or more mechanical energy-storage devicescoupled to the partition of the apparatus, each mechanicalenergy-storage device comprising: an input shaft; an input gear coupledin fixed relation to the input shaft; an outer gear; an inner planetarygear having a smaller diameter than the outer gear, the inner planetarygear configured to engage the input gear such that rotation of the inputgear in a first direction causes rotation of the inner planetary gear ina second direction; and a coil spring coupled to the outer gear and theinner planetary gear such that rotation of the inner planetary gear inthe second direction without rotation of the outer gear will charge thespring; where the input shaft is coupled to the partition such thatmovement of the partition causes rotation of the input gear in the firstdirection. In some embodiments, the one or more mechanicalenergy-storage devices each further comprises: a ratchet configured topermit the inner planetary gear to rotate in the second direction, andprevent the inner planetary gear from rotating in the first direction.In some embodiments, the one or more mechanical energy-storage deviceseach further comprises: an output gear; and where the outer gear iscoupled to the output gear such that rotation of the outer gear in thesecond direction will cause rotation of the output gear in the firstdirection, the outer gear having more teeth than the output gear. Insome embodiments, the one or more mechanical energy-storage devices eachfurther comprises: a rotation controller configured to permit or preventrotation of the outer gear.

Any embodiment of any of the present apparatuses, systems, and methodscan consist of or consist essentially of—rather thancomprise/include/contain/have—any of the described steps, elements,and/or features. Thus, in any of the claims, the term “consisting of” or“consisting essentially of” can be substituted for any of the open-endedlinking verbs recited above, in order to change the scope of a givenclaim from what it would otherwise be using the open-ended linking verb.

Details associated with the embodiments described above and others arepresented below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings illustrate by way of example and not limitation.For the sake of brevity and clarity, every feature of a given structureis not always labeled in every figure in which that structure appears.Identical reference numbers do not necessarily indicate an identicalstructure. Rather, the same reference number may be used to indicate asimilar feature or a feature with similar functionality, as maynon-identical reference numbers. The figures are not drawn to scale(unless otherwise noted).

FIGS. 1A-1B depict cutaway side views of one embodiment of the presentapparatuses for extraction of energy from moving fluids.

FIGS. 1C-1D depict side views of a gear arrangement for a transfermechanism for coupling the apparatus of FIGS. 1A-1B to a load.

FIGS. 2-3 depict cross-sectional top and side views, respectively, of asecond embodiment of the present apparatuses.

FIG. 4 depicts a top view and an inset cross-sectional view of a thirdembodiment of the present apparatuses and a plurality of flow resistancemodifiers (FRMs) disposed in a flowing waterway.

FIG. 5 depicts a cross-sectional top view of the third embodiment of thepresent apparatuses.

FIG. 6 depicts a cutaway perspective view of one embodiment of thepresent systems comprising a plurality of the apparatuses of FIG. 5coupled to a common energy sink.

FIG. 7 depicts a side cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIGS. 2-3installed adjacent to a dam and configured to receive liquid flows froma penstock extending through the dam.

FIG. 8 depicts a side cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIGS. 2-3installed adjacent to a dam and configured to receive liquid flows froma penstock extending over the dam.

FIGS. 9-10 depict side cross-sectional and perspective views,respectively, of the apparatus of FIGS. 2-3 installed adjacent to a damand configured to receive liquid flows from a waterfall flowing over thedam.

FIG. 11 depicts a side cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIGS.2-3 installed adjacent to and over a stream or river.

FIG. 12 depicts a side view of one embodiment of the present mechanicalenergy-storage devices.

FIG. 13 depicts side and cross-sectional views of a second embodiment ofthe present mechanical energy-storage devices that comprises a pluralityof the devices of FIG. 12.

FIGS. 14A-14B depict a gear arrangements for the using the openablebottoms of the apparatus of FIGS. 2-3 to actuate barriers othercomponents of the apparatus.

FIG. 15 depicts a cutaway top view of an embodiment of the presentapparatuses that is similar to the apparatus of FIGS. 2-3 and includesan alternate gear arrangement for actuating various components of theapparatus.

FIGS. 16A-16B depict a top cross-sectional view of a fourth embodimentof the present apparatuses configured such that the length of anencapsulation channel can be varied (e.g., in response to detected speedor rate of flow, such as, for example, in a flowing waterway in whichthe apparatus is disposed).

FIG. 17 depicts a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the presentapparatuses that includes a temporary storage mechanism with springs totemporarily store energy imparted by a fluid flowing into each of twoencapsulation channels.

FIGS. 18A-18D depict side views of a sixth embodiment of the presentapparatuses that includes a temporary energy storage mechanism withballast members for to temporarily store energy imparted by a fluidflowing into each of two encapsulation channels.

FIGS. 19A-19K depict various views of a seventh embodiment of thepresent apparatuses that is especially suitable for wind energyextraction.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The term “coupled” is defined as connected, although not necessarilydirectly, and not necessarily mechanically; two items that are “coupled”may be unitary with each other. The terms “a” and “an” are defined asone or more unless this disclosure explicitly requires otherwise. Theterm “substantially” is defined as largely but not necessarily whollywhat is specified (and includes what is specified; e.g., substantially90 degrees includes 90 degrees and substantially parallel includesparallel), as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. Inany embodiment of the present apparatuses, kits, and methods, the term“substantially” may be substituted with “within [a percentage] of” whatis specified, where the percentage includes 0.1, 1, 5, and/or 10percent.

The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and“comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and“having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and“including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains”and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, anapparatus or kit that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” oneor more elements possesses those one or more elements, but is notlimited to possessing only those elements. Likewise, a method that“comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more steps possessesthose one or more steps, but is not limited to possessing only those oneor more steps.

Further, an apparatus, device or system that is configured in a certainway is configured in at least that way, but it can also be configured inother ways than those specifically described.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1A-1D,shown therein and designed by the reference numeral 10 is one embodimentof the present apparatuses for extraction of energy from moving fluids.FIGS. 1C-1D depict side views of a gear arrangement 14 of a transfermechanism 18 for coupling the apparatus 10 to a load (e.g., a shaft128), as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. In the embodiment shown, apparatus 10comprises a body 22 defining an encapsulation channel 26 having an inlet30. In the embodiment shown, channel 26 includes a central longitudinalaxis 34. In the embodiment shown, apparatus 10 comprises a partition 107coupled to channel 26 such that partition 107 can move in a (e.g.,linear) downstream direction 38 (e.g., parallel to longitudinal axis 34)that extends away from inlet 30, or in an (e.g., linear) upstreamdirection 42 (e.g., parallel to longitudinal axis 34) that extendstoward inlet 30. In this embodiment, body 22 and/or partition 107 areconfigured to encapsulate or confine an incompressible (e.g.,substantially incompressible) flow of fluid entering channel 26 (e.g.,to confine a mass of flowing water flowing into the channel) such thatthe kinetic energy of the mass is focused on and directed towardpartition 107. In the embodiment shown, partition 107 is configured tobe coupled to a load (e.g., one or more generators via shaft 128) suchthat if a mass of fluid (e.g., liquid) flows into channel 26 with aninitial flow velocity in direction 38, the partition will decrease theflow velocity of the mass (of liquid) to zero (and/or less than zero,such as, for example, may cause some portion of the liquid to flow indirection 42) and transfer a portion (e.g., up to and includingsubstantially all) of the kinetic energy of the mass of fluid to theload (e.g., via shaft 128). In the embodiment shown, partition 107 iscoupled to shaft 128 via a transfer mechanism 18. In the embodimentshown, channel 26 has a substantially-closed cross-section along atleast a portion of its length (e.g., 66 a, 74 a, or both of 66 a and 74a (FIG. 2)) and during at least some portion of its operation, such as,for example, during the time that a partition (e.g., 107, 107 a, 107 b)is moving in a downstream direction (e.g., 38, 38 a, 38 b). For example,in embodiments with an openable bottom (e.g., 78 a (FIGS. 2-3)) or anopenable barrier (e.g., 86 b (FIG. 5)) that can be actuated to open aportion of the cross-section of the channel, the apparatus is configuredsuch that the openable bottom or barrier is in its closed configurationsuch that the channel (e.g., 26, 26 a, 26 b (FIGS. 2-3, 5)) has asubstantially closed cross-section along its length while thecorresponding partition (e.g., 107, 107 a, 107 b (FIGS. 2-3, 5)) ismoving in a downstream direction (e.g., 38, 38 a, 38 b (FIGS. 2-3, 5))such that the incoming fluid flow can be substantially encapsulatedwithin the channel as the partition moves in the downstream direction.

In some embodiments, the transfer mechanism can be configured such thata unit of linear motion of partition 107 in downstream direction 38 cangenerate 4 or more (e.g., 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more) units (e.g., linearunits) of motion at the load. For example, in the embodiment shown,transfer mechanism 18 comprises a plurality of first pulleys 168 coupledin fixed relation to body 22 such that the plurality of first pulleysare spaced apart from one another across a transverse dimension (e.g.,height, as shown) of channel 26; a plurality of second pulleys 166coupled in fixed relation to partition 107 such that the plurality ofsecond pulleys are spaced apart from one another across a transversedimension (e.g., height, as shown) of the partition. In this embodiment,second pulleys 166 are offset from first pulleys 168 such that pulleys166 can move between and/or past pulleys 168 as partition 107 moves indownstream direction 38 (e.g., from the position of FIG. 1A to theposition of FIG. 1B). In this embodiment, apparatus 10 comprises platesor side panels 165 coupled in fixed relation to each side of partition107. Plates 165 are configured to maintain the orientation of partition107 in channel 26 (e.g., with partition 107 substantially perpendicularto directions 38 and 42. In this embodiment, first pulleys 168 arecoupled in fixed relation to at least one of plates 165 and staggeredfrom top to bottom, as shown, in an angled line.

In the embodiment shown, transfer mechanism 18 also comprises a cable169 extending between first pulleys 168 and having a first end 167(e.g., coupled in fixed relation to body 22) and a second end coupled toshaft 128 (e.g., via a cone spool 178, as shown). In this embodiment,transfer mechanism 18 is configured such that if partition 107 moves indownstream direction 38, first pulleys 168 and second pulleys 166 willengage cable 169 to pull a length of the cable away from shaft 128 (andcone spool 178) in direction 175 a and apply torque to shaft 178 (e.g.,via cone spool 178), as is illustrated from FIG. 1A to FIG. 1B. In thisembodiment, the configuration of pulleys 166 (e.g., longitudinallyspaced apart from one another to along a length extending parallel tolongitudinal axis 34) results in the length of cable 169 pulled awayfrom spool being 8 times or more (e.g., 10 times or more) the length oflinear motion or travel of partition 107 in direction 38 (between FIG.1A and FIG. 1B). Spool 178 is coupled to shaft 128 by a one-way clutch112 that is configured to (i) engage when cable 169 is pulled indirection 175 a to permit spool 178 to rotate in direction 46 with shaft128 and apply torque to shaft 128, and (ii) disengage to permit spool178 to rotate in direction 50 opposite to the direction of rotation ofshaft to permit cable 169 to be re-wound onto spool 178 in direction 175b and move partition 107 in upstream direction 42, as described in moredetail below. As used in this disclosure, linear motion at the loadrefers to the length of motion at the load at the point at which theforce is transferred to the load (e.g., the length of the arc swept bythe point on the load at which the force is transferred to the load).For example, in the embodiment shown, the length of linear motion isequal to the length of cable 169 that is unwound from spool 178.

In the embodiment shown, apparatus 10 is configured to operate asfollows. Apparatus 10 can be disposed relative to a body of water (e.g.,in a flowing river or canal, at the base of a dam, coupled to a ship orbarge such that the apparatus extends below the surface of water onwhich the ship or barge is floating, and/or the like) such that a massof water (which may, for example, contain other liquids or particulates)flows into channel 26 when partition 107 is in an upstream position(e.g., FIG. 1A) such that the water will collide with partition 107 andapply a force to partition 107 in downstream direction 38. As partition107 moves in downstream direction 38, the moment of inertia of the load(e.g., a generator via shaft 128) and the parts coupling it to partition107 resists movement of partition 107 in downstream direction 38 and(e.g., abruptly) reduce the velocity the mass of fluid (e.g., liquid) indirection 38 to zero. As a fluid, some portion of the water may, onceits velocity is reduced to zero in direction 38, flow in directions witha negative component of the flow velocity (e.g., may flow in a directionthat has a velocity component in upstream direction 42). As such,“decrease [or decreasing] the flow velocity of the mass to zero” (38) isused to describe the velocity of the aggregate mass of water, ratherthan characterizing every portion of the water. As the flow velocity ofthe mass of water is decreased to zero, a portion (e.g., greater than50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or more percent) of the kinetic energy of the massof water is transferred to the load (e.g., shaft 128) via transfermechanism 18 or other suitable structures.

In the embodiment shown, the mass of water moving at a given flowvelocity is confined or encapsulated in channel 26 such that the waterslams into partition 107 and propels it downstream (direction 38) in thechannel. As the mass of water (or other fluid) rams into the partition,the load to which the partition is coupled provides sufficientresistance to stop the water (e.g., at or before the partition reaches amechanical limit of the channel). The load can be provided by one or amore generators, and shaft 128 may be coupled to a plurality ofgenerators that can be brought on-line in varying numbers to stop thewater (e.g., the number of generates may be varied with flow velocity,initial rotational speed of shaft 128, and the like). For example,generators and/or other energy accumulators or storage devices (e.g.,mechanical energy-storage devices) can added in sequence—increasingresistance until the mass of water at the accelerated velocity isstopped—thereby extracting a large portion (e.g., nearly all) of theaxial kinetic energy from the moving mass of water and transferring itdirectly to the generators and/or other energy accumulators or storagedevices (e.g., via shaft 128). In other embodiments, a single generatorcan be configured to withstand higher forces and/or rotational speedssuch that a single generator can provide a sufficient load to stop thepartition. Regardless of the number of configuration of generatorsand/or mechanical energy storage devices with which apparatus 10 isimplemented, when the rotational acceleration of shaft 128 (and theassembly of generators and/or mechanical energy-storage devices to whichshaft 128 is coupled) reaches a value where the force needed for furtherangular acceleration [τ=I α], equals the level of the incoming [F=ma]from the encapsulated inflowing mass—all forward flow in theencapsulation vessel is stopped, and the axial kinetic energy of thecombined (fluid+moving parts) mass is transferred to shaft 128 viatransfer mechanism 18 or other suitable structures.

In the embodiment shown, as partition 107 moves in direction 38, pulleys168 engage cable 169 and weave it between pulleys 166 and 168, as shownin FIG. 1B, drawing cable 169 off spool 178, engaging clutch 112 anddriving shaft 128 (e.g., and one or more generators and/or other energyaccumulators or storage devices). The resulting rotational speed ofoutput shaft 128 is dictated by the number and spacing of pulleys 166,the number of pulleys 168, and the size of cone spool 178. For example,in the embodiment shown, cone spool 178 provides a relatively largermoment-arm about shaft 128 to increase the torque about shaft 128 in theearly (and higher velocity) movement of partition 107 (FIG. 1A), and arelatively smaller moment-arm about shaft 128 in the later (and slowervelocity) movement of partition 107 (FIG. 1B). As the rotationalvelocity of shaft 128 increases, the greater ratio is needed fromtransfer mechanism 18 between linear motion of partition 107 and cable169 (or other linear motion at shaft) to enable the transfer of kineticenergy from partition 107 to shaft 128 (e.g., the greater angularacceleration is required to increase the rotational speed of shaft 128).As such, in some embodiments in which a simpler transfer mechanism 18 isdesired, shaft 128 can be coupled to a shaft of a generator by one ormore other transfer mechanisms (not shown, but such as, for example, atransmission such as a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and/ortransmissions disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/475,277,filed May 29, 2009).

In the embodiment shown, transfer mechanism 18 is also configured toreturn partition 107 to an upstream position (move the partition inupstream direction 42). In the embodiment shown, a gear 148 is coupledin fixed relation to shaft 128, and transfer mechanism 18 comprises agear 142 coupled in fixed relation to spool 178, a gear 143 a engagedwith gear 142, a swing arm 177 having a first end having a common pivotpoint with gear 143 a, and a drive gear 143 b engaged with gear 143 aand pivotably coupled to a second end of swing arm 177. In theembodiment shown, as cable 169 is pulled from spool 178 and shaft 128rotates in direction 46 swing arm 177 is in an open position (FIG. 1D)in which gear 143 b is engaged only with gear 143 a. Once cable 169stops causing spool 178 to rotate, swing arm 177 moves to a closedposition (FIG. 1C) in which gear 143 b engages gear 148. As shown, shaft128 and gear 148 continue to rotate in direction 46, causing gear 143 bto rotate in direction 50. Gear 143 b thereby causes gear 143 a torotate in direction 46 which, in turn, causes gear 142 and spool 178 torotate in direction 50. As spool 178 rotates in direction 50, cable 169is re-wound onto the spool, and thereby engaging pulleys 166 and 168 tomove partition 107 in upstream direction 42. Once partition 107 reachesits upstream position (FIG. 1A) and spool 178 again stops rotating,swing arm 177 returns to its open position (FIG. 1D), disengaging gear143 b from gear 148.

The embodiment of apparatus 10 depicted in FIGS. 1A-1D can be deployedin a variety of configurations and/or placements with naturally flowingwater to extract and store energy from moving fluids (e.g., naturalslope and/or penstock flows, rivers, canals, sea passages, channels,open-sea or tidal currents, and the like), as described in more detailbelow.

FIGS. 2-3 depict top and side views, respectively, of a secondembodiment 10 a of the present apparatuses. In the embodiment shown,apparatus 10 a comprises: a body 22 a defining a channel 26 a (e.g.,with a substantially closed and/or closable cross-section, as describedabove) having an inlet 54 a (FIG. 2) and an outlet 58 a (FIG. 3). In theembodiment shown, channel 26 a comprises a central longitudinal axis 34a, a flow section 62 a having a length 66 a extending from inlet 54 atoward the outlet and toward the downstream end of the channel where theflow section meets a production section 70 a having a length 74 aextending from flow section 62 a. In the embodiment shown, length 66 aof the flow section is at least twice length 74 a of the productionsection. In other embodiments, length 66 a may be more or less thantwice (e.g., equal to) length 74 a and/or the flow section may beomitted (e.g., have a zero length). As with apparatus 10, apparatus 10 acomprises a partition 107 a coupled to channel 26 a (e.g., coupled tobody 22 a in production section 70 a) such that partition 107 a can movein a (e.g., linear) downstream direction 38 (e.g., parallel tolongitudinal axis 34 a) that extends away from inlet 54 a, or in an(e.g., linear) upstream direction 42 that extends toward inlet 54 a(e.g., parallel to longitudinal axis 34 a). For example, in theembodiment shown, production section 70 a comprises a track assembly 129configured to movably couple partition 107 a to body 22 a. In theembodiment shown, partition 107 a is configured to be coupled to a load(e.g., one or more generators via shaft 128) such that if a mass offluid (e.g., liquid) flows into channel 26 a with an initial flowvelocity in direction 38, the partition will decrease the flow velocityof the mass (of liquid) to zero (and/or less than zero, such as, forexample, may cause some portion of the liquid to flow in direction 42)and transfer a portion (e.g., up to and including substantially all) ofthe kinetic energy of the mass of fluid to the load (e.g., via shaft128). In this embodiment, partition 107 a is coupled to shaft 128 via atransfer mechanism 18 or other suitable structure.

In some embodiments, transfer mechanism 18 can be configured such that aunit of linear motion of partition 107 a in downstream direction 38 cangenerate 4 or more (e.g., 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more) units (e.g., linearunits) of motion at the load. Although certain details are omitted fromFIGS. 2 and 3, in the embodiment shown, transfer mechanism 18 is asdescribed above with reference to FIGS. 1A-1D. In the embodiment shown,apparatus 10 a comprises an exhaust mechanism configured to, after theflow velocity reaches zero, exhaust the mass of fluid (e.g., liquid)from the channel. For example, in the embodiment shown, the exhaustmechanism comprises an openable bottom 78 a in (e.g., flow section 62 aof) channel 26 a. In this embodiment, bottom 78 a is configured to bealternated between: (i) a closed state (as shown in FIG. 2) in whichliquid is substantially prevented from flowing out of the channelthrough bottom 78 a; and (ii) an open state (as shown for channel 26 a′)in which liquid is permitted to flow out of the channel through thebottom. Bottom 78 a is coupled to partition 107 a such that bottom 78 ais in the closed state when the partition moves in downstream direction38 (as shown in FIG. 2). Bottom 78 a can also be coupled (e.g., via oneor more levers, links, gears, and/or the like) to partition 107 a suchthat bottom 78 a is in the open state when partition 107 a moves inupstream direction 42 (as shown for bottom 78 a′), and/or such thatbottom 78 a is permitted to transition from the closed state to the openstate after partition 107 a has decreased the flow velocity of a mass ofwater to zero (e.g., after partition 107 a has stopped traveling indownstream direction 38). At least a portion of the exhaust mechanismcan be more directly coupled to the body than to the partition. Forexample, in the embodiment shown, bottom 78 a is not carried by thepartition, and is instead includes a plurality of gates that pivotallycoupled to body 22 a around substantially fixed pivot axes. In theembodiment shown, bottom 78 a comprises one or more louvers or gatesconfigured to be opened by gravity (e.g., driving the water in thechannel downward) when partition 107 a reaches the end of its downstreamtravel and trips a lever or other actuator to release the louvers orgates of bottom 78 a to cause bottom 78 a to transition from the closedstate to the open state. For example, in the embodiment shown, bottom 78a comprises a plurality of louvers or gates 108 that are configured tobe released once partition 107 a stops in a downstream position (e.g.,just after the position depicted in FIG. 2) to release the water fromchannel 26 a (e.g., to facilitate the return of partition 107 a to theupstream position).

In some embodiments, the potential energy of the water in channel 26 acan be harvested to move partition 107 a to its upstream position. Forexample, in the embodiment shown, apparatus 10 a comprises one or morepaddle wheels, turbines, or flywheels 132 a (FIG. 3) configured to beturned by liquid exiting bottom 78 a when bottom 78 a is in the openstate, and paddle wheel(s), turbine(s), or flywheel(s) 132 a can becoupled (e.g., via one or more levers, links, gears, and/or the like) topartition 107 a to move partition 107 a in the upstream direction aswater drains from channel 26 a. In this embodiment, the openable bottompermits the water to be discharged from channel 26 a by gravity. Thisoccurs as the mechanical locks for bottom 78 a are released by partition107 a: the gravity load of the water forces the gates of bottom 78 a toopen, and because these gates are geared to the gates of bottom 78 a′(e.g., as depicted in and described with reference to FIGS. 14A and 14B)then the gates of bottom 78 a′ close as the gates of bottom 78 a open.Additionally, in this embodiment, as the gates of bottom 78 a open,barrier 82 a closes and barrier 82 a′ opens (e.g., as also depicted inand described with reference to FIGS. 14A and 14B).

In the embodiment shown, body 22 a also defines a second channel 26 a′having an inlet 54 a′ and an outlet 58 a′ (FIG. 3). In the embodimentshown, channel 26 a′ also includes a central longitudinal axis 34 a′, aflow section 62 a′ having a length 66 a extending from inlet 54 a′toward the outlet, and a production section 70 a′ having a length 74 aextending from flow section 62 a′. In the embodiment shown, length 66 aof the flow section is at least twice length 74 a of the productionsection. In other embodiments, length 66 a may be more or less thantwice (e.g., equal to) length 74 a and/or the flow section may beomitted (e.g., have a zero length). Apparatus 10 a also comprises asecond partition 107 a coupled second channel 26 a′ (e.g., coupled tobody 22 a in production section 70 a′) such that partition 107 a′ canmove in a linear downstream direction 38 parallel to longitudinal axis34 a′, or in a linear upstream direction 42 toward inlet 54 a′ andparallel to longitudinal axis 34 a′. In the embodiment shown, secondpartition 107 a′ is configured to be coupled to a load (e.g., one ormore generators via shaft 128) such that if a mass of fluid (e.g.,liquid) flows into second channel 26 a′ with an initial flow velocity indirection 38, the second partition will decrease the flow velocity ofthe mass (of liquid) to zero (and/or less than zero, such as, forexample, may cause some portion of the liquid to flow in direction 42)and transfer a portion (e.g., up to and including substantially all) ofthe kinetic energy of the mass of fluid to the load (e.g., via shaft128). In this embodiment, second partition 107 a′ is coupled to shaft128 via a transfer mechanism 18 or other suitable structures.

In some embodiments, transfer mechanism 18 can be configured such that aunit of linear motion of second partition 107 a′ in downstream direction38 can generate 4 or more linear units of motion at the load. Althoughcertain details are omitted from FIGS. 2 and 3, in the embodiment shown,transfer mechanism 18 is as described above with reference to FIGS.1A-1D. In the embodiment shown, body 22 a comprises a second exhaustmechanism configured to, after the flow velocity reaches zero, exhaustthe mass of fluid (e.g., liquid) from the second channel. For example,in the embodiment shown, the second exhaust mechanism comprises a secondopenable bottom 78 a′ in (e.g., flow section 62 a′ of) second channel 26a′. As described above for the first exhaust mechanism, in thisembodiment, at least a portion of the second exhaust mechanism is moredirectly coupled to the body than to the second partition. In thisembodiment, second bottom 78 a′ is configured to be alternated between:(i) a closed state (as shown for bottom 78 a) in which liquid issubstantially prevented from flowing out of the second channel throughsecond bottom 78 a; and (ii) an open state (as shown) in which liquid ispermitted to flow out of the second channel through the bottom. Secondbottom 78 a′ is coupled to second partition 107 a′ such that secondbottom 78 a′ is in the closed state when the partition moves indownstream direction 38 (as shown for bottom 78 a). Second bottom 78 a′can also be coupled (e.g., via one or more levers, links, gears, and/orthe like) to second partition 107 a′ such that second bottom 78 a′ is inthe open state when second partition 107 a′ moves in upstream direction42 (as shown), and/or such that bottom 78 a′ is permitted to transitionfrom the closed state to the open state after second partition 107 a′has decreased the flow velocity of a mass of water to zero (e.g., aftersecond partition 107 a′ has stopped traveling in downstream direction38).

In the embodiment shown, second bottom 78 a′ comprises one or morelouvers or gates configured to be opened by liquid in second channel 26a′ to cause the bottom to transition from the closed state to the openstate. For example, in the embodiment shown, bottom 78 a′ comprises aplurality of louvers or gates 108 that are configured to be releasedonce second partition 107 a′ stops in a downstream position to releasethe water from second channel 26 a′ (e.g., to facilitate the return ofsecond partition 107 a′ to the upstream position). In some embodiments,the potential energy of the water in second channel 26 a′ can beharvested to move second partition 107 a′ to its upstream position. Forexample, in the embodiment shown, apparatus 10 a comprises one or morepaddle wheels, turbines, or flywheels 132 a (FIG. 3) configured to beturned by liquid exiting second bottom 78 a′ when second bottom 78 a′ isin the open state, and paddle wheel(s), turbine(s), or flywheel(s) 132 acan be coupled (e.g., via one or more levers, links, gears, and/or thelike) to second partition 107 a′ to move second partition 107 a′ in theupstream direction as water drains from second channel 26 a′. In theembodiments shown, first channel 26 a and second channel 26 a′ (andfirst partition 107 a and second partition 107 a′) are configured tooperate in an alternating manner (e.g., first partition 107 a movesdownstream as second partition 107 a′ moves upstream). As such, in theembodiment shown, first bottom 78 a is coupled to second bottom 78 a′such that first bottom 78 a is in the open state when second bottom 78a′ is in the closed state, as shown, for example, in FIG. 2. Bottoms 78a and 78 a′ can be opened by any suitable mechanism. For example, insome embodiments, a pin, lever, or latch is configured to be actuated(e.g., depressed or contacted) by the respective partition 107 a or 107a′ when or just before the partition stops moving in downstreamdirection 38 (is brought to a stop by the load) to release therespective bottom 78 a or 78 a′ to permit the water to open therespective gates 108. In other embodiments, the louvers or gates ofbottoms 78 a and 78 a′ harvest sufficient potential energy to bedirectly geared to barriers 82 a and 82 a′ to actuate the bottoms 78 aand 78 a′ and barriers 82 a and 82 a′ without the assistance of paddlewheels, turbines, or flywheels. Bottoms 78 a and 78 a′ can be coupled toone another such that when bottom 78 a opens, bottom 78 a′ closes (e.g.,substantially concurrently); and can be coupled to barriers 82 a and 82a′ such that when bottom 78 a opens, barrier 82 a closes and bottom 78a′ opens.

In the embodiment shown, the first and second exhaust mechanisms(bottoms 78 a and 78 a′ are configured to exhaust the stopped or spentmass of fluid (e.g., liquid) from the respective first or second channel26 a or 26 a′ after the flow velocity has been reduced to zero, and toexhaust the fluid more rapidly than would be possible by only openinggates in the respective partition and allowing liquid entering the inletto re-accelerate the fluid through the partition. For example, in theembodiment shown, the respective exhaust mechanism (bottom) isconfigured to exhaust the mass of the liquid from the channel in lesstime than required for the mass to enter the inlet and be stopped (theflow velocity to be decreased to zero). For example, in someembodiments, the apparatus is configured such that the time required forliquid to enter the inlet of either channel and be stopped in thatchannel is one (1) second, and such that the amount of time required toexhaust the spent liquid from either channel is one (1) second or less.In such embodiments, first channel 26 a can intake and stop a mass offluid (e.g., liquid), while bottom 78 a′ is exhausting spent or stoppedliquid from second channel 26 a′, such that first and second channels 26a and 26 a′ can function in alternating fashion. As described in moredetail below, the time required to for liquid to enter the inlet of achannel and be stopped is dependent on factors such as the initial flowvelocity of liquid entering the inlet (which may, for example, depend onthe flow velocity of a river if the apparatus is disposed in a river).

In the embodiment shown, apparatus 10 a also comprises a first barrier82 a coupled to inlet 54 a of first channel 26 a, and a second barrier82 a′ coupled to inlet 54 a′ of second channel 26 a′. In thisembodiment, first barrier 82 a is configured to be alternated between:(i) a closed state in which liquid is substantially prevented fromflowing into first channel 26 a; and (ii) an open state in which liquidis permitted to flow into first channel 26 a′. Similarly, in thisembodiment, second barrier 82 a′ is configured to be alternated between:(i) a closed state in which liquid is substantially prevented fromflowing into second channel 26 a′; and (ii) an open state in whichliquid is permitted to flow into second channel 26 a′. As shown in FIG.2, in this embodiment, first barrier 82 a is configured to direct liquidinto second channel 26 a′ when the first barrier is in the closed state,and second barrier 82 a′ is configured to direct liquid into firstchannel 26 a when the second barrier is in the closed state. Forexample, in the embodiment shown, first barrier 82 a and second barrier82 a′ each comprises a plurality of louvers or gates 126 that arearranged at an angle (e.g., a 45 degree angle, as shown) across therespective channel 26 a or 26 a′. In this embodiment, first barrier 82 ais coupled to second barrier 82 a′ such that the first barrier is in theopen state when the second barrier is in the closed state, as shown inFIG. 2.

In other embodiments, first partition 107 a and/or second partition 107a′ can each be configured to be alternated between: (i) a closed statein which the partition will move in the downstream direction if a massof fluid (e.g., liquid) flows into the respective channel (26 a or 26a′); and (ii) an open state in which the partition will permit liquid toflow through the partition. In such embodiments, the respective bottom(78 a or 78 a′) can be coupled to the respective partition (107 a or 107a′) such that the respective bottom is in the closed state when therespective partition is in the closed state. In such embodiments, firstpartition 78 a and/or second partition 78 a′ can comprises a pluralityof louvers or gates (e.g., similar to those in bottoms 78 a and 78 a′).

In this embodiment, apparatus 10 a is configured such that both channels26 a and 26 a′ can be coupled to a penstock flow 104 (FIG. 2), as shown,and barriers 82 a and 82 a′ alternated between open and closed states todirect water to one or the other of channels 26 a and 26 a′. As such,the wider flow area of penstock 104 is constricted down into the area ofa single one of channels 26 a and 26 a′, thereby increasing the flowvelocity of the water entering the respective channel of apparatus 10 a.Beginning with the flow being directed into channel 26 a, as shown inFIG. 2, partition 107 a is propelled downstream until the flow velocityof the mass of water in direction 38 is decreased to zero and thekinetic energy transferred to the load. Next, first barrier 82 a closes(transitions to the closed state) and second barrier 82 a′ opens(transitions to the open state) such that the flow is diverted intosecond channel 26 a′ such that second partition 107 a′ is propelleddownstream until the flow velocity of the mass of water in direction 38is decreased to zero and the kinetic energy transferred to the load. Aswater flows into second channel 26 a′, bottom 78 a in first channel 26 ais opened to permit the water “stopped” in first channel 26 a to flowout of the first channel (e.g., driving gears such as 156, 157, 158, and159 shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, and/or driving paddle wheel(s),turbine(s), or flywheel(s) 132 a), and partition 107 a′ moves upstreamto “re-charge” first partition 107 a for when first barrier 82 a opensagain to permit water to flow into first channel 26 a. As used in thisdisclosure, “penstock” refers to a structure that directs the confinedflow of water, and need not be coupled to a dam.

As noted above, gates 108 of bottom 78 a can be geared or otherwisecoupled to gates 108 of second bottom 78 a′ such that water exitingfirst channel 26 a forces gates 108 of first bottom 78 a open and, inturn, closes gates 108 of second bottom 78 a′ (e.g., driven by therotation of gates 108 of first bottom 78 a falling open and drivinggears 159 and 158 to cause gates 108 of bottom 78 a′ to close, asdepicted in and described with reference to FIGS. 14A and 14B).Similarly, gates 108 of first bottom 78 a can be coupled to gates 126 ofbarriers 82 a and 82 a′ such that water exiting first channel 26 aforces gates 108 of bottom 78 a open and, in turn, closes gates 126 offirst barrier 82 a and opens gates 126 of second barrier 82 a′.Similarly, gates 108 of second bottom 78 a′ can be geared or otherwisecoupled to gates 108 of first bottom 78 a such that water exiting secondchannel 26 a′ forces gates 108 of second bottom 78 a′ open and, in turn,closes gates 108 of first bottom 78 a. Similarly, gates 108 of secondbottom 78 a′ can be coupled to gates 126 of barriers 82 a and 82 a′ suchthat water exiting second channel 26 a′ forces gates 108 of secondbottom 78 a′ open and, in turn, closes gates 126 of second barrier 82 a′and opens gates 126 of first barrier 82 a. As described, the rotation oflouvers or gates 108 can be used alone and/or in conjunction with thepaddle wheel(s), turbine(s), or flywheel(s) 132 a (or any number ofother mechanical devices or methods) can provide power or mechanicalleverage for the opening and closing of gates, moving lock pins orlatches, and/or the resetting of partitions 107 a and 107 a′. Byextracting the potential energy from the exhausted water falling out ofchannels 26 a and 26 a′, the kinetic energy extracted by partitions 107a and 107 a′ need not be used to open and close bottoms 78 a and 78 a′,open and close barriers 82 a and 82 a′, and/or used to move partitions107 a and 107 a′ upstream.

The kinetic energy available from a water flow (assuming no loss fromequipment efficiency) can be expressed by Equation 111:

$\begin{matrix}{{KE} = \frac{{mV}^{2}}{2}} & \lbrack 1\rbrack\end{matrix}$where m is the mass of the inbound water in kilograms (kg), and V is thevelocity of the inbound flow (meters/second). The mass of the inboundwater can be determined with Equation [2]:m=ALp  [2]where A is the cross-sectional area of the inbound flow (e.g., of thechannel within which the flow is encapsulated) in meters squared or m²,L is the length of the encapsulated inbound flow (e.g., of the channelwithin which the flow is encapsulated) in meters, and p is the densityof the water (or other liquid and/or fluid) of the inbound flow inkilograms per meter cubed or kg/m³ (seawater is 1030 kg/m³ & fresh wateris 1000 kg/m³). Combining Equations [1] and [2] yields Equation [3]:

$\begin{matrix}{{KE} = \frac{{AL}\;\rho\; V^{2}}{2}} & \lbrack 3\rbrack\end{matrix}$For the configuration of FIGS. 2 and 3 in which an inbound flow isalternatingly constricted into channels with only ½ of thecross-sectional area of the inbound flow, the cross-sectional area, A,is reduced by half to 0.5(A), such that conservation of mass results inthe velocity, V, doubling to 2 V. As such, Equation [3] yields Equation[4] for an individual one of channels 26 a or 26 a′.

$\begin{matrix}{P = \frac{{.5}(A)L\;{\rho\left( {2V} \right)}^{2}}{2}} & \lbrack 4\rbrack\end{matrix}$In operation, the water from penstock 104 is alternatingly directed intofirst and second channels 26 a and 26 a′, as described above, such thatpartition 107 a and 107 a′ are repeatedly moving (e.g., in oppositedirections), similar to the pistons of an internal combustion engine.While this embodiment is shown in communication with penstock 104,apparatus 10 a can be used with a variety of water flows (e.g.,sufficiently sloped rivers, creeks, aqueducts, and the like) in whichbottoms 78 a and 78 a′ can be disposed above the downstream flow topermit water to be discharged from apparatus 10 a by gravity into thedownstream flow.

FIG. 4 depicts a top view of a third embodiment 10 b of the presentapparatuses shown in flowing waterway (e.g., a river) with a pluralityof flow resistance modifiers (FRMs); and FIG. 5 depicts a top view ofapparatus 10 b. In the embodiment shown, apparatus 10 b comprises: abody 22 b defining a channel 26 b (e.g., with a substantially closedand/or closable cross-section, as described above) having an inlet 54 band an outlet 58 b. In the embodiment shown, channel 26 b includes acentral longitudinal axis 34 b, a flow section 62 b having a length 66 bextending from inlet 54 b toward the outlet, and a production section 70b having a length 74 b extending from flow section 62 b (e.g., from flowsection 62 b to outlet 58 b). In the embodiment shown, length 66 b ofthe flow section is at least twice length 74 b of the productionsection. In other embodiments, length 66 b may be more or less thantwice (e.g., equal to) length 74 b and/or the flow section may beomitted (e.g., have a zero length). As with apparatuses 10 and 10 a,apparatus 10 b comprises a partition 107 b coupled to channel 26 b(e.g., coupled to body 22 b in production section 70 b) such thatpartition 107 b can move in a (e.g., linear) downstream direction 38that extends toward outlet 58 b (e.g., parallel to longitudinal axis 34b), or in an (e.g., linear) upstream direction 42 that extends towardinlet 54 b (e.g., parallel to longitudinal axis 34 a). In the embodimentshown, partition 107 b is configured to be coupled to a load (e.g., oneor more generators via shaft 128) such that if a mass of fluid (e.g.,liquid) flows into channel 26 b with an initial flow velocity indirection 38, the partition will decrease the flow velocity of the mass(of liquid) to zero (and/or less than zero, such as, for example, maycause some portion of the liquid to flow in direction 42) and transfer aportion (e.g., up to and including substantially all) of the kineticenergy of the mass of fluid to the load (e.g., via shaft 128). FIGS. 4and 5 depict a system of multiple apparatuses 10 b coupled to a commonload or energy sink (e.g., via shaft 128). The second apparatus islabeled with the reference numeral 10 b′, but is substantially similarto apparatus 10 b. In some embodiments, a plurality of apparatuses 10 bcan be disposed in sequence along a portion of the length of a waterway(e.g., with spaces between sequential apparatuses to permit the velocityof the flowering water to increase its velocity between apparatuses).

In the embodiment shown, apparatus 10 b comprises an exhaust mechanismconfigured to intake liquid flowing adjacent to the channel to exhaustthe mass of fluid (e.g., liquid). More particularly, in this embodiment,the exhaust mechanism comprises a second channel 26 b′ (e.g., defined bybody 22 b) having an inlet 54 b′ and an outlet 58 b′. In thisembodiment, apparatus 10 b also comprises a first barrier 86 b betweenfirst channel 26 b and second channel 26 b′, and in (e.g., flow section62 b of) the first channel, as shown. First barrier 86 b is configuredto be alternated between: (i) a closed state (as shown for apparatus 10b′) in which liquid is substantially prevented from flowing from secondchannel 26 b′ into first channel 26 b; and (ii) an open state (shown forapparatus 10 b) in which liquid is permitted to flow from second channel26 b′ into first channel 26 b. For example, first barrier 86 b comprisesa plurality of louvers or gates 126, as shown. In this embodiment,partition 107 b is also configured to be alternated between: (i) aclosed state (shown for apparatus 10 b′) in which the partition willmove in the downstream direction if a mass of fluid (e.g., liquid) flowsinto the channel; and (ii) an open state (shown for apparatus 10 b) inwhich the partition will permit liquid to flow through the partition.For example, in this embodiment, partition 107 b comprises a pluralityof gates 126 that can be opened, as shown, to permit water to flowthrough the partition (e.g., to permit partition 107 b to be moved inupstream direction 42). In the embodiment shown, first barrier 86 b iscoupled (e.g., via one or more levers, links, gears, and/or the like) topartition 107 b such that first barrier 86 b is in the closed state whenpartition 107 b moves in downstream direction (during which partition107 b will generally be in the closed state). In some embodiments, apin, lever, or latch is configured to be actuated (e.g., depressed orcontacted) by partition 107 b when or just before the partition stopsmoving in downstream direction 38 (is brought to a stop by the load) topermit gates 126 of partition 107 b to open (e.g., to be opened bypaddle wheel(s), turbine(s), or flywheel(s) 132 b via gears, links, orthe like). Similarly, a pin, lever, or latch can be configured to beactuated (e.g., depressed or contacted) by partition 107 b when or justbefore the partition stops moving in upstream direction 42 to permitgates 108 of partition 107 b to close (e.g., to be closed by paddlewheel(s), turbine(s), or flywheel(s) 132 b via gears, links, or thelike).

In the embodiment shown, apparatus 10 b also comprises a second barrier90 b extending across second channel 26 b′ between first barrier 86 band outlet 58 b of second channel 26 b′. Second barrier 90 b isconfigured to be alternated between: (i) an open state (shown forapparatus 10 b′) in which liquid is permitted to flow out of secondchannel 26 b′ through outlet 58 b′; and (ii) a closed state (shown forapparatus 10 b) in which second barrier 90 b is configured to resistliquid flow out of second channel 26 b′ through outlet 58 b′. In thisembodiment second barrier 90 b is coupled to first barrier 86 b suchthat second barrier 90 b is in the closed state when first barrier 86 bis in the open state. In this embodiment, second barrier 90 b comprisesa plurality of louvers or gates 126 arranged at an angle (e.g., a 45degree angle, as shown) across second channel 26 b′ such that when inthe closed state, second barrier 90 b directs water toward first barrier86 b to facilitate flow from second channel 26 b′ to first channel 26 b.In the embodiment shown, second barrier 90 b is coupled (e.g., via oneor more levers, links, gears, and/or the like) to partition 107 b suchthat barrier 90 b is in the closed state when the partition moves inupstream direction 42.

Apparatus 10 b functions similarly to apparatuses 10 and 10 a in thatapparatus 10 b encapsulates a mass of flowing of water and partition 107b (in its closed state) decreases the flow velocity of the mass to zeroto transfer kinetic energy of the mass to a load (e.g., via shaft 128),s described in more detail above for apparatus 10 and apparatus 10 a.However, apparatus 10 b is configured to be submerged in continuouslyflowing water (e.g., river 116) such that channel 26 b can be cleared(spent or “stopped” water removed from channel 26 b) without relying ongravity. More particularly, first and second barriers 86 b and 90 b areconfigured to cooperate to flush “stopped” or spent water from firstchannel 26 b. Beginning with first barrier 86 b closed and secondbarrier 90 b open such that water can flow through second channel 26 b′largely unimpeded, and with partition 107 b in its closed state and inan upstream position, water from river 116 flows into inlet 54 b offirst channel 26 b and impacts partition 107 b to move partition 107 indownstream direction 38 (e.g., from the position of the partition inapparatus 10 b to the position of the partition in apparatus 10 b′)until partition 107 b decreases the flow velocity of the mass of waterto zero, at which point the water in first channel 26 b is “stopped” orspent. Next, first barrier 86 b opens (transitions to its open state),second barrier 90 b closes (transitions to its closed state), andpartition 107 b transitions to its open state, all such that water atthe flow velocity of the river can enter through inlets 54 b and 54 b′of first and second channels 26 b and 26 b′, respectively, can enter andbe directed through first channel 26 b to clear the spent water. Asspent water is being flushed from first channel 26 b, partition 107 b,in its open state, can move in upstream direction 42 to re-charge firstchannel 26 b.

Because first partition 86 b remains closed and second partition 90 bremains open, as partition 107 b moves downstream, water in secondchannel 26 b may travel at a higher velocity than the velocity of thewater in the river upstream of apparatus 10 b, and when partition 107 bhas stopped the mass of water and transferred the kinetic energy to theload via transfer mechanism 18, gates 126 of partition 107 b open andthe combined flows of first channel 26 b and second channel 26 b′combine to clear the spent water from first channel 26 b faster than itwould be cleared if partition 107 b were opened without the additionalflow of second channel 26 b′ being directed into first channel. As aresult of clearing the spent water from first channel 26 b, partition107 b can be repeatedly recharged and cycled more quickly than wouldotherwise be possible if apparatus 10 b did not include second channel26 b′. As described above for apparatus 10 a, the exhaust mechanism ofapparatus 10 b is configured to exhaust the stopped or spent mass offluid (e.g., liquid) from channel 26 b after the flow velocity has beenreduced to zero, and to exhaust the fluid more rapidly than would bepossible by only opening gates in partition 107 b and allowing liquidentering the inlet to re-accelerate the fluid through the partition. Forexample, in the embodiment shown, the exhaust mechanism is configured toexhaust the mass of the liquid from the channel in less time thanrequired for the mass to enter the inlet and be stopped (the flowvelocity to be decreased to zero). For example, in some embodiments,apparatus 10 a is configured such that the time required for liquid toenter the inlet of channel 26 b and be stopped is one (1) second, andsuch that the amount of time required to exhaust the spent liquid fromchannel 26 b is one (1) second or less.

In the embodiment shown, partition 107 b is coupled to shaft 128 via atransfer mechanism 18 b. Transfer mechanism 18 b differs from transfermechanism 18 in that transfer mechanism 18 b comprises a geared link 130coupled in fixed relation to partition 107 b, and a geared one-wayclutch 113 that is configured to engage a corresponding geared surfaceof link 130, as shown. One-way clutch 113 is configured to (i) engagewhen partition 107 b and link 130 travel in downstream direction 38 andapply torque to shaft 128, and (ii) disengage to permit partition 107 band link 130 to travel in upstream direction 42 without applying torqueto shaft 128. In this embodiment, shaft 128 can be coupled directly to agenerator or mechanical energy-storage device 106, and/or can be coupledto one or more generators and/or mechanical energy-storage devices via agear 131. As described above for transfer mechanism 18, transfermechanism 18 b (e.g., via gears 112 b and 131 (FIG. 5)) can beconfigured such that a unit of linear motion of partition 107 b indownstream direction 38 can generate 4 or more linear units of motion atthe load (e.g., at gear 131). In the embodiment shown, both ofapparatuses 10 b and 10 b′ are both coupled to shaft 128, and areconfigured such that the partition of apparatus 10 b moves in downstreamdirection 38 while the partition of apparatus 10 b′ moves in upstreamdirection 42.

As shown in FIG. 4, apparatus 10 b (and apparatus 10 b′) is submerged ina river or other continuous flow channel such that some portion of theliquid in river 116 flows around apparatus 10 b. In this configuration,apparatuses 10 b and 10 b′ resist the flow of water downstream, suchthat if only apparatuses 10 b and 10 b′ are disposed in the river, waterwill be encouraged to flow around instead of through the apparatuses. Assuch, one or more flow-resistance modifiers (FRMs) 190 can be disposedin the river between apparatuses 10 b and 10 b′ and the bank to increasethe resistance to flow to a level comparable to that through theapparatuses. For example, each FRMs 190 can comprise an inflatable bags,balloons, or other structure with an overall density (e.g., includingair or other material disposed in the structure) that is less than thedensity of water, and configured to be disposed in the river (e.g.,tethered to bottom 185 of the river) or other waterway such that theFRMs occupy enough of the volume in the river (e.g., between theapparatuses and the bank(s) 120) or other flowing waterway to resist, orotherwise provide resistance to, flow (such as, for example, to at leasta similar (e.g., substantially equal or greater) degree and/or magnitudeas the (e.g., aggregate or average) flow resistance caused by orresulting from apparatuses 10 b and 10 b′), such as to ensure consistentflow through the apparatuses). For example, in some embodiments, FRMscan be configured to provide flow resistance that is greater the flowresistance of the apparatus (e.g., FRMs having a flow resistance of 50%,60%, 70%, or more with an apparatus with 50% flow resistance. In theabsence of such resistance (e.g., provided by FRMs) in the portion ofthe river or other waterway that is not occupied by the apparatus (e.g.,10 b), water may face less resistance traveling around the apparatus andtherefore reduce the flow through the apparatus (and the energy able tobe captured by the apparatus). Flow resistance may be inversely relatedto overall porosity, such that decreasing porosity results in increasingflow resistance. For example, if the overall porosity of the apparatusesis 50%, then the flow resistance provided by the apparatuses may be 50%;and if the overall porosity of the apparatuses decreases to 25%, thenthe flow resistance may increase to 75%.

In some embodiments, the FRMs are configured such that a barge or otherwater-born vessel can push adjacent FRMs apart to permit the barge orother vessel to pass the FRMs in the waterway without damaging the FRMsor the barge or vessel. In such embodiments, the FRMs can be configuredto return toward their initial positions after the barge or vesselpasses (such initial and subsequent positions may vary with currents andthe like, depending, for example, on the method of anchoring ortethering the FRMs). For example, in some embodiments, the FRMs are eachtethered to the bottom of the river or other waterway (e.g., by a lengthof cable, rope, chain, and/or the like). Additional examples of FRMs andtheir structure and/or use are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/158,380, filed Jun. 11, 2011. In the embodiment shown, two tiersof debris deflectors 186 and 187 are installed upstream of apparatus 10b and 10 b′ to reduce the likelihood of debris entering the apparatuses.In the embodiment shown, an upstream debris deflector 186 comprises aplurality of elements (e.g., horizontal rods) spaced at relatively-broadintervals to provide a first layer of protection for debris. In theembodiment shown, a downstream debris deflector 187 comprises aplurality of elements (e.g., horizontal rods) spaced atrelatively-narrow intervals to provide a second layer of protection fordebris. In this embodiment, both of deflectors 186 and 187 are angled todirect debris in direction 189 away from apparatuses 10 b and 10 b′. Insome embodiments, FRMs can be moved temporarily, such as, for example,to allow navigation of the river. Additional details of some embodimentsof FRMs can be found in PCT Application No. PCT/IB2011/053151.

In some embodiments, the kinetic energy of the water in channel 26 b′(FIG. 5) can be harvested to move partition 107 b to its upstreamposition. For example, in the embodiment shown, apparatus 10 b comprisesone or more paddle wheels, turbines, or flywheels 132 b configured to beturned by liquid exiting second channel 26 b′ when first barrier 86 b isin the closed state, and paddle wheel(s), turbine(s), or flywheel(s) 132b can be coupled (e.g., via one or more levers, links, gears, and/or thelike) to partition 107 b to move partition 107 b in the upstreamdirection as water is flushed from channel 26 b and/or transition thepartition 107 b from the open state to the closed state after partition107 b has been moved to the upstream position. Similarly, paddlewheel(s), turbine(s), or flywheel(s) 132 b can be coupled (e.g., via oneor more levers, links, gears, and/or the like) to first barrier 86 band/or second barrier 90 b to transition first barrier 86 b and/orsecond barrier 90 b between open and closed states without harvestingenergy from partition 107 b. In some embodiments, apparatus 10 bcomprises a flywheel 147 b that is coupled to and configured to becharged by paddle wheel(s), turbine(s), and/or flywheel(s) 132 b suchthat if second barrier 90 b is closed, the kinetic energy in flywheel147 b can be transferred to open and close first barrier 86 b, secondbarrier 90 b, and/or to move partition 107 b in upstream direction 42.

As described, paddle wheel(s), turbine(s), and/or flywheel(s) 132 a (orany number of other mechanical devices or methods) can provide power ormechanical leverage for the opening and closing of gates, moving lockpins or latches, and/or the resetting of partition 107 b. By extractingkinetic energy from the water flowing through second channel 26 b′ whilefirst barrier 86 b is closed, the kinetic energy extracted by partition107 b need not be used to open and close barriers 86 b and 90 b, openand close partition 107 b, and/or used to move partition 107 b upstream.

For the configuration of FIGS. 4 and 5, if the river has a depth equalto the height of the water in the river, and the width of the river istwice the width of the two apparatuses (10 b and 10 b′) and FRMs 190provide a substantially-even resistance across the entire width of theriver, such that apparatuses 10 b and 10 b′ span ½ of thecross-sectional area of the river and overall inbound flow of the river.Because water is only permitted to flow through ½ of the cross-sectionalarea of the apparatuses at any given time (i.e., one of first channel 26b or second channel 26 b′ in each set of first and second channels 26 band 26 b′), the cross-sectional flow area is reduced by ½ of thecross-sectional area of the apparatus at any given time, such that thevelocity through the apparatuses must double to 2V. Because only one ofthe four channels depicted in FIG. 5 (only one of channels 26 b) isextracting energy at any given time, the cross-sectional flow areathrough the apparatus for calculating energy extraction is 0.25 A). Assuch, Equation [4] yields Equation [5] for the flow through apparatuses10 b and 10 b′.

$\begin{matrix}{P = \frac{{.25}(A){{Lp}\left( {2V} \right)}^{2}}{2}} & \lbrack 5\rbrack\end{matrix}$In operation, the water from river 116 is alternatingly directed intofirst and second channels 26 b and 26 b′ of both of apparatuses 10 b and10 b′, as described above, such that partition 107 b of apparatus 10 band partition 107 b of apparatus 10 b′ are repeatedly moving (e.g., inopposite directions), similar to the pistons of an internal combustionengine.

While this embodiment is shown in communication with river 116,apparatus 10 b can be used with a variety of open or free-flowing water(e.g., tidal flows) in which apparatus 10 b can be submerged. In suchopen or free-flowing environments (e.g., open sea), efficiency of energyextraction may be reduced relative to the configurations of FIGS. 2-3and 4-5 because the relatively isolated resistance provided by apparatus10 b will result in the water approaching the apparatus at a slowervelocity than the water would flow if the apparatus were not present(natural flow velocity, V), such as, for example, due to water flowingaround instead of through the apparatus. However, relative to otherrenewable-energy (e.g., tidal flow) systems, apparatus 10 b can stillprovide increased footprint efficiency (e.g. equal or higher energyextraction with a smaller footprint).

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment 200 of the presentsystems comprising a plurality of apparatuses 10 b coupled to a commonload or energy sink via shafts 128 and gears 176 that couple shafts 128to one another. In some embodiments, system 200 comprises clutches orother structures 180 for selectively engaging gears 176 to therespective shafts (e.g., to selectively engage or disengage shafts 128).In the embodiment shown, apparatuses 10 b are laterally (e.g.,side-by-side) and vertically (stacked) adjacent to each other (e.g., canshare common walls) such that the apparatuses form a matrix that may bereferred to in this disclosure as a Newtonion Honeycomb®. Thisarrangement of apparatuses 10 b can proportionately increase the poweroutput of a system while minimizing the environmental impact by addingapparatuses vertically without increasing the footprint of the system.In other embodiments, multiple apparatuses 10 b can be arranged insequence or series (e.g., longitudinally spaced) along a channel.

FIG. 7 depicts a side cross-sectional view of apparatus 10 a installedinside a dam 100 retaining water in a reservoir 101, such that apparatus10 a is configured to receive liquid flows from a penstock 103 extendingthrough the dam. In this configuration, water discharging from dam 100through grate 102 and into penstock 103 flows through apparatus 10 a andout bottoms 78 a and 78 a′ via gravity at a point 114, through adischarge path 115, and into river 116. Various other components areshown for reference as one example of components with which apparatus 10a can be used. For example, in this embodiment, apparatus 10 a (e.g.,partition 107 a and 107 a′) is coupled to a generator 106 in anequipment building 105, and generator 106 is coupled to transmissionlines 110 via a transformer 111.

FIG. 8 depicts a side cross-sectional view of apparatus 10 a installedadjacent to a dam 100 and configured to receive liquid flows from asiphon penstock 117 extending over the dam. In this embodiment,apparatus 10 a can be disposed in front and/or to the side of a dam 100,and water is drawn through siphon penstock 117. In this configuration,water discharging from dam 100 into siphon penstock 117 flows throughapparatus 10 a and out bottoms 78 a and 78 a′ via gravity into river116. In some embodiments, siphon penstock 117 can comprise a translucentmaterial to enable visual inspection or monitoring of flow.

FIGS. 9-10 depict side cross-sectional and perspective views,respectively, of a plurality of apparatuses 10 a installed adjacent to adam 100 and configured to receive liquid flows from a waterfall flowingover the dam. In this embodiment, a shortened siphon penstock 117 a isconfigured to siphon water over the top of the dam and permit an openflow 118 of water down the face 119 (which may be lined with a polymer,concrete, or the like) of the dam, as shown, to apparatuses 10 a. Asshown, apparatuses 10 a can be disposed side-by-side across the bottomof the dam. In some embodiments, siphon penstock 117 a can comprise atranslucent material to enable visual inspection or monitoring of flow.Siphon penstock 117 a can be used to retrofit or convert existing damsto be usable with embodiments of the present apparatuses (e.g., 10 a).

FIG. 11 depicts a side cross-sectional view of apparatus 10 a installedadjacent to a stream or river. As shown, apparatus 10 a can be installedabove the natural slope of the flowing water with a feeder pipe orpenstock 104 directing the water into the apparatus, such that waterexiting the apparatus can flow out bottoms 78 a and 78 a′ via gravityinto river 116. As shown, apparatus 10 a can be supported by one or morefootings, pilings, piers, and/or other structures 125.

FIG. 12 depicts a side view of one embodiment 300 of the presentmechanical energy-storage devices or accumulators. In the embodimentshown, device 300 comprises: an input shaft 128; an input gear 151coupled in fixed relation to input shaft 128; an outer gear 142; aninner planetary gear 145 having a smaller diameter than the outer gear;and a coil spring 152 coupled to outer gear 142 and inner planetary gear145. In the embodiment shown, inner planetary gear 145 is configured toengage input gear 151 such that rotation of input gear 151 causesrotation of inner planetary gear 145 in a second direction 50. Moreparticularly, in the embodiment shown, input gear 151 is coupled toinner planetary gear 145 via a plurality of planet gears 143 c rotatablearound respective fixed rotational axes, as shown, such that rotation ofshaft 128 in second direction 50 causes planet gears 143 c to rotate infirst direction 46, and rotation of planet gears 143 c, in turn, causesrotation of inner planetary gear 145 in second direction 50. In theembodiment shown, coil spring 152 is coupled (e.g., via pins 146 and150) to outer gear 142 and inner planetary gear 145 such that rotationof inner planetary gear 145 in second direction 50 without rotation ofouter gear 142 will charge (increase tension in) spring 152. In thisway, shaft 128 can be coupled to the partition(s) of one of the presentapparatuses such that linear motion of the partition can be transferredto rotation of shaft 128 (e.g., with a transfer mechanism such as 18, 18b, or the like).

In the embodiment shown, device 300 also comprises an output gear 148(e.g., and an output shaft coupled in fixed relation to the outputgear), and outer gear 142 is coupled to output gear 148 such thatrotation of outer gear 142 in second direction 50 will cause rotation ofoutput gear 148 in first direction 46. In this embodiment, outer gear142 has a larger diameter and more teeth than output gear 148, such thata single revolution of outer gear 142 will cause multiple revolutions ofoutput gear 148. In the embodiment shown, device 300 further comprises aratchet 149 configured to permit rotation of inner planetary gear 145 insecond direction 50, while preventing rotation of inner planetary gear145 in first direction 46. In the embodiment shown, device 300 furthercomprises a rotation controller 144 configured to permit or preventrotation of the outer gear 148. For example, rotation of outer gear 148can be prevented during periods in which device 300 is engaged orbrought on-line to increase the load on shaft 128 and the correspondingpartition(s) of one or more the present apparatuses (e.g., if agenerator cannot provide sufficient load to stop flowing water in thecoupled apparatus(es)). Conversely, rotation of outer gear 148 can bepermitted to release tension in coil spring 152 (e.g., if the tension inthe coil spring exceeds a threshold, and/or if a generator can providesufficient load to stop flowing water in the coupled apparatus(es) andstill has additional capacity) and thereby release stored mechanicalenergy to the coupled generator(s).

FIG. 13 depicts side and cross-sectional views of a second embodiment350 of the present mechanical energy-storage devices that comprises aplurality of devices 300 coupled in parallel along input shaft 128 suchthat rotation of input shaft 128 will simultaneously charge the coilsprings (152 (FIG. 12)) of all of devices 300. In the embodiment shown,device 350 comprises a frame 125 a with a lower skid 160, upper lifteyes or lift points 161, and a housing or exterior skin 162 thatencloses devices 300 (e.g., to limit particulate and/or moistureintrusion into devices 300). Device 300 and system 350 are non-limitingexamples of mechanical energy storage devices or accumulators that canbe used with embodiments of the present apparatuses. In someembodiments, system 350 is configured such that devices 300 can besequentially engaged or brought online (e.g., if a greater load isneeded to stop a flow of water with a velocity that is greater thanexpected or usual). In some embodiments, device 300 and/or system 350can be installed and/or used in series to accumulate and/or temporarilystore mechanical energy for later release to an output shaft (via outputgear 148) as needed. For example, in the embodiment shown, output gear148 can be coupled to an output shaft that is, in turn, geared to shaft128 to return energy stored in device 300 to a generator or the likethat is coupled to shaft 128.

FIGS. 14A-14B depict a gear arrangement 400 a for the using the openablebottoms 78 a and 78 a′ of apparatus 10 a to actuate barriers 82 a and 82a′, and/or to reposition partitions 107 b and 107 b′ in upstreamdirection 42. More particularly, FIG. 14A depicts a side view of aportion of the gear arrangement, and FIG. 14B depicts an end view of aportion of the gear arrangement. In the embodiment shown, each of aplurality of gates 108 is coupled in fixed relation to a shaft 128 c.Shaft 128 c is coupled in fixed relation to a gear 156 and to a wingplate 159 having a geared arcuate outer perimeter, as shown. In thisembodiment, when gates 108 are permitted to open, the weight of thewater in the respective channel 26 a or 26 a′ pushes downward on thegate 108 causing the gate 108 to rotate 90 degrees downward and therebyrotate shaft 128 c, gear 156, and wing plate 159 by the same amount.Gear 156 is coupled to the corresponding one of barriers 82 a or 82 a′by a worm geared shaft 157 such that when the gates 108 of therespective bottom 78 a or 78 a′ opens, gates 126 of the correspondingbarrier 82 a or 82 a′, respectively, closes. Worm-geared shaft 157 canbe coupled to the respective gates 126 by one or more additional shaftsand gears (e.g., as described for apparatus 10 c of FIG. 15). In theembodiment shown, each worm-geared shaft 157 also couples gears 156 ofeach gate 108 (of the respective bottom 78 a or 78 a′) together toensure that all of the louvers of a respective bottom 78 a or 78 a′ movein unison and can all add torque to shaft 157 to ensure sufficient forceto close the corresponding barrier 82 a or 82 a′. Additionally, wingplate 159 is geared via a transfer gear 158 to the wing plate of thecorresponding gate 108 of the other of bottoms 78 a or 78 a′ such thatas bottom 78 a opens, bottom 78 a′ closes and barrier 82 b′ opens (andvice versa). In the embodiment shown, transfer gear 158 is mounted to ashaft 128 c′ that is coupled in fixed relation to body 22 a via a mount125 b. In the embodiment shown, gates 108 extend in only one directionfrom the respective shaft 128 c such that when closed, gate 108 extendsfrom its coupled shaft 128 c to the end of the next adjacent gate.

FIG. 15 depicts an embodiment 10 c of the present apparatuses that issimilar to apparatus 10 a but includes an alternate gear arrangement 400b for actuating various components of the apparatus. Apparatus 10 c issubstantially similar to apparatus 10 a, and the differences betweenapparatus 10 c and apparatus 10 a will therefore primary be describedhere. In the embodiment shown, apparatus 10 c comprises a transfermechanism 18 c having geared link frames 130 c coupled to a shaft viaone-way clutches (as described for apparatus 10 b, but omitted from FIG.15 for clarity). In the embodiment shown, link frames 130 c and 130 c′include geared surfaces 392 c engaging gears 394 such that whenpartition 107 a moves in downstream direction 38, it causes partition107 a′ to move in upstream direction 42; and when partition 107 a′ movesin downstream direction 38, it causes partition 107 a to move inupstream direction 42. In the embodiment shown, link frames 130 c and130 c′ also include secondary geared surfaces 396 for engaging geararrangement 400 b to harvest some of the kinetic energy extracted bypartitions 107 a and 107 a′ to open and close gates 126 of first andsecond barriers 82 a and 82 a′, and to open and close gates 108 of firstand second bottoms 78 a and 78 a′. In the embodiment shown, geararrangement 400 b comprises a transverse shaft 128 d rotatably mountedto extend between secondary geared surface 396 of frame 130 c′ and apair of longitudinal shafts 128 e extending along both sides of channel26 a, as shown. Geared surface 396 of frame 130 c′ is coupled totransverse shaft 128 d via a spur-bevel gear sets 156 a, and transverseshaft 128 d is coupled to longitudinal shafts 128 e via a spur-spur gearsets 156 b. In this embodiment, gates 108 of bottom 78 a are eachcoupled to shafts 128 c, and shafts 128 c are each coupled tolongitudinal shafts 128 e by spur-spur gear sets 156 b. Additionally,gear arrangement 400 b comprises an additional transverse shaft 128 f atinlet 54 a to channel 26 a, and transverse shaft 128 f is coupled togates 126 of barrier 82 a via a spur-spur gear sets 156 b. In thisembodiment, apparatus 10 c is configured such that as partition 107 amoves in downstream direction 38, transverse shaft 128 d rotateslongitudinal shafts 128 c, and longitudinal shafts 128 e rotate shafts128 c (to open gates 108 of bottom 78 a) and rotate transverse shafts128 f (to close gates 126 of barrier 82 a).

Similarly, in the embodiment shown, gear arrangement 400 b comprises atransverse shaft 128 d′ rotatably mounted to extend between secondarygeared surface 396 of frame 130 c and a pair of longitudinal shafts 128e′ extending along both sides of channel 26 a′, as shown. Geared surface396 of frame 130 c is coupled to transverse shaft 128 d′ via aspur-bevel gear sets 156 a, and transverse shaft 128 d′ is coupled tolongitudinal shafts 128 e′ via a spur-spur gear sets 156 b. In thisembodiment, gates 108 of bottom 78 a′ are each coupled to shafts 128 c,and shafts 128 c are each coupled to longitudinal shafts 128 e′ byspur-spur gear sets 156 b. Additionally, gear arrangement 400 bcomprises an additional transverse shaft 128 f at inlet 54 a′ to channel26 a′, and transverse shaft 128 f is coupled to gates 126 of barrier 82a′ via a spur-spur gear sets 156 b. In this embodiment, apparatus 10 cis configured such that as partition 107 a moves in downstream direction38, transverse shaft 128 d′ rotates longitudinal shafts 128 e′, andlongitudinal shafts 128 e′ rotate shafts 128 c′ (to open gates 108 ofbottom 78 a′) and rotate transverse shafts 128 f (to close gates 126 ofbarrier 82 a′).

FIGS. 16A and 16B depict top views of another embodiment 10 d of thepresent apparatuses. Apparatus 10 d is substantially similar toapparatus 10 a, and the differences between apparatus 10 d and apparatus10 a will therefore primary be described here. Apparatus 10 d differsfrom apparatus 10 a in that apparatus 10 d is configured such that theoverall length of channels 26 a and 26 a′ are adjustable. In particular,body 22 d comprises a track system 197 and a telescoping interior wallor gate 195 that are configured to lengthen or shorten the length of(e.g., flow sections 62 a and 62 a′ of) channels 26 a and 26 a′ (andresulting position of barriers 82 a and 82 a′) to increase or shortenthe length of time required for one cycle of partition 107 a and/or 107a′ (e.g., to adjust for variations in flow velocity of inbound masses ofliquid). For example, apparatus 10 a can be configured with a channellength expected to yield a flow time of approximately 1 second from amass of fluid (e.g., liquid) entering inlet 54 a to partition 107 adecreasing the flow velocity of the mass to zero in downstream direction38 a. Apparatus 10 d can adjust the length of (each of) channels 26 aand 26 a′ to result in a desired flow time (e.g., 1 second) for any ofvarious inbound flow velocities. For example, in some embodiments,apparatus 10 d comprises one or more flow sensors at inlets 54 a and 54a′ to measure the inbound flow velocity, and comprises a controller(e.g., microprocessor) configured to determine from the measured inboundflow velocity a desired length of channels 26 a and 26 a′ for thedesired flow time. For example, if the inbound flow velocity is 1 meterper second, and the desired flow time is 1 second, then the overalllength of channels 26 a and 26 a′ can be adjusted to 1 meter. Theposition of movable gate 195 and barriers 82 a and 82 a′ along tracksystem 197 can be adjusted with any suitable mechanism or structure,such as, for example, a worm-drive powered by an electric motor, aworm-drive powered by the kinetic energy extracted by partitions 107 aand 107 a′ (e.g., via shaft 128), and/or the like.

FIG. 17 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment 10 e of the presentapparatuses that is similar to apparatus 10 a but includes a transfermechanism 18 d that is configured to temporarily store energy duringeach operational cycle of the apparatus. Apparatus 10 e is substantiallysimilar to apparatus 10 a, and the differences between apparatus 10 eand apparatus 10 a will therefore primary be described here. In theembodiment shown, transfer mechanism 18 d comprises springs 450 a and450 a′ coupled to each of geared links 130 d, and locking arms 454 a and454 a′ configured to engage geared links 450 a and 450 a′. In thisembodiment, as with those above, geared links 130 d are coupled to ashaft 128 via one-way clutches (as described for apparatus 10 b). In theembodiment shown, links 130 d and 130 d′ have upper geared surfaces thatare configured to engage respective ones of locking arms 454 a and 454a′. In this embodiment, links 130 d and 130 d′ also include lower gearedsurfaces that are configured to engage gears of one-way clutches 113 aand 113 a′. However, in this embodiment, rather than one-way clutches113 a and 113 a′ being configured to rotate shaft 128 as partitions 107a and 107 a′ move in downstream direction 38, clutches 113 a and 113 a′are configured to freewheel as partitions 107 a and 107 a′ move the inthe downstream direction and to cause shaft 128 to rotate as each ofsprings 450 a and 450 a′ is released to drive the respective link 130 dor 130 d′ and corresponding partition 107 a or 107 a′ in the upstreamdirection. In this embodiment, springs 450 a and 450 a′ comprise coilsprings, but in other embodiments, leaf springs, or any other resilientcompressible material (e.g., rubber, gas-filled pistons or shocks,and/or the like) that is capable of storing and releasing potentialenergy to permit the apparatus to function as described may be used inplace of coil springs.

In this embodiment, each of springs 450 a and 450 a′ is configured to becompressed the corresponding one of partitions 107 a and 107 a′ isdriven in downstream direction 38 by fluid flowing into thecorresponding encapsulating channel 26 a or 26 a′. For example, in FIG.17, partition 107 a′ is in its upstream position. When the gates ofbarrier 82 a′ are opened, fluid flowing into channel 26 a′ will drivepartition 107 a′ in downstream direction 38, and link 130 d′ willcompress spring 450 a′ (converting the kinetic energy of the inflowingfluid and moving partition 107 a′ into potential energy stored in thespring). As or when partition 107 a′ reaches its downstream position,locking arm 454 a′ is lowered to temporarily lock link 130 d′ as thefluid in channel 26 a′ is exhausted through openable bottom 78 a′. As orwhen the fluid is exhausted out of channel 26 a′, partition 107 a willbegin to move in downstream direction 38 and locking arm 454 a′ isactuated to release link 130 d′ such that spring 450 a′ can drivepartition 107 a′ in upstream direction 42. As or when partition 107 areaches its downstream position, locking arm 454 a is lowered totemporarily lock link 130 d as the fluid in channel 26 a is exhaustedthrough openable bottom 78 a. And as or when the fluid is exhausted outof channel 26 a, partition 107 a′ will begin to move in downstreamdirection 38 and locking arm 454 a is actuated to release link 130 dsuch that spring 450 a can drive partition 107 a in upstream direction42.

As noted above, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, one-way clutches 113a and 113 a′ are coupled to lower geared surfaces of links 130 d and 130d′, respectively, such that when each spring 450 a and 450 a′ isreleased, the corresponding link 130 d or 130 d′ rotates shaft 128. Inthis embodiment, shaft 128 is coupled to a mechanical energy-storagedevice 350 at a first end of shaft 128 and to a generator 106 at asecond end of shaft 128.

While not shown in FIG. 17, apparatus 10 e can comprise any suitablelinkage or gear arrangement (e.g., 400 a) configured such that whenpartition 107 a moves in downstream direction 38, it causes partition107 a′ to move in upstream direction 42; and when partition 107 a′ movesin downstream direction 38, it causes partition 107 a to move inupstream direction 42. For example, in this embodiment, such a linkageor gear arrangement is coupled to locking arms 454 a and 454 a′ suchthat (1) as partition 107 a′ begins its cycle and starts to move indownstream direction 38, locking arm 454 a is actuated to release link130 d and thereby permits spring 450 a to drive partition 107 a inupstream direction 42, and (2) as partition 107 a begins its cycle andstarts to move in downstream direction 38, locking arm 454 a′ isactuated to release link 130 d′ and thereby permit spring 450 a′ todrive partition 107 a′ in upstream direction 42. And as described abovefor various other embodiments, such a linkage or gear mechanism canfurther be coupled to openable bottoms 78 a and 78 a′ to coordinatetheir opening and closing as partitions 107 a and 107 a′ reciprocate inchannels 26 a and 26 a′. For example, such a linkage or gear arrangementcan be driven by the release of the springs and/or by harvesting thepotential energy of the fluid exiting downward through openable bottoms78 a and 78 a′, as described above.

FIGS. 18A-18B depict side views of an embodiment 10 f of the presentapparatuses that is similar to apparatus 10 a but includes a transfermechanism 18 e that is configured to temporarily store energy duringeach operational cycle of the apparatus. Apparatus 10 f is substantiallysimilar to apparatus 10 a, and the differences between apparatus 10 fand apparatus 10 a will therefore primary be described here. While onlya single channel 26 a is depicted, it should be understood thatapparatus 10 f can include dual channels 26 a and 26 a′, as doesapparatus 10 a. In the embodiment shown, transfer mechanism 18 ecomprises a ballast member 500. For example, in this embodiment, ballastmember 500 comprises a cage 504 filled with a ballast material such as,for example, water, water bags, sand, sand bags, rocks, and/or the like.In this embodiment, ballast member 500 is movably disposed in a frame508 with a plurality of vertical members 512 against which rollers 516carried by ballast member 500 can roll to facilitate vertical movementand resist lateral movement of ballast member 500.

In this embodiment, partition 107 is coupled at connections 520 to aframe 524 that is configured to drive lift arms 528 to raise ballastmember 500 as partition 107 moves in downstream direction 38. Moreparticularly, partition 107 is configured to reciprocate withinencapsulating channel 26 a, as described above, and frame 524 is coupledin fixed relation to partition 107 such that frame 524 alsoreciprocates. In this embodiment, lift arms 528 are pivotally coupled toframe 528 and ballast member 500 such that, as partition 107 and frame524 move in downstream direction 38, lift arms 528 apply an upward forceto raise ballast member 500 from is lowermost position of FIG. 18A toits uppermost position of FIG. 18B (ballast member 500 is constrained byframe 508 to vertical movement. In this embodiment, the kinetic energyof fluid flowing into channel 26 a and partition 107 moving indownstream direction 38 is converted into potential energy as ballastmember is raised to its uppermost position. As or when partition 107reaches its downstream position (FIG. 18B), barrier 82 a can be closed(FIG. 18B) and openable bottom 78 a opened (FIG. 18C) to exhaust thefluid in channel 26 a. In this embodiment, body 22 c carries a pluralityof rollers 532 configured to movably support and maintain theorientation of longitudinal members 536 of frame 524.

In the embodiment shown, ballast member 500 (e.g., ballast cage 504)includes a geared surface or rack 540 configured to rotate a gear 142 athat is coupled to a shaft 128 via a one-way clutch 112 a. In thisembodiment, as partition 107 moves in downstream direction and ballastmember 500 is drive upwards, geared surface 540 rotates gear 142 a in aclockwise direction and one-way clutch 112 a is configured to freewheelrelative to shaft 128 while the weight of ballast member 500 providesresistance to slow and stop partition 107. When partition 107 a reachesits downstream position (FIG. 18B), the fluid in channel 26 a isexhausted through openable bottom 78 a. As or when the fluid isexhausted out of channel 26 a, ballast member 500 will move downward anddrive (via lift arms 528) partition 107 a in upstream direction 42. Asor when partition 107 reaches its upstream position, bottom 78 a can beclosed and barrier 82 a opened (FIG. 18D), to permit the cycle to startagain. As ballast member 500 moves downward, geared surface 540 rotatesgear 142 a in a counter-clockwise direction and one-way clutch 112 aengages to rotate shaft 128 in a clockwise direction. As describedabove, shaft 128 can be coupled to a mechanical energy-storage device(e.g., 350) and/or a generator (e.g., 106).

In some embodiments, a control unit 544 having a controller (e.g.,processor) and a pump can monitor the weight of ballast member 500 viastrain gauges 548 and/or other sensors, and can adjust the weight of theballast member by pumping liquid into or out of ballast frame 504. Forexample, if the flow velocity of fluid entering encapsulating channel 26a decreases, less weight may be needed in ballast member 500, and viceversa. The pump of control unit 544 can be coupled to a liquid source(e.g., a river from which water flows into the channel(s)) via a tube orother conduit. Control unit 544 can also be coupled to a flow sensor ator upstream of the inlet to the channel(s) to monitor the flow velocityof fluid entering the channel(s) such that the controller of controlunit 544 can adjust the weight of ballast member 500 in accordance withthe velocity. In other embodiments, control unit 544 can be disposedpartially or entirely outside ballast member 500 (e.g., with acontroller inside, and a pump outside, of ballast cage 504).

While not shown in FIGS. 18A-18D, apparatus 10 f can comprise multipleencapsulating channels, and any suitable linkage or gear arrangement(e.g., 400 a) configured to coordinate opening and closing of barriers(e.g., 82 a, 82 a′) and/or openable bottoms (78 a, 78 a′), such asdescribed above for other embodiments. For example, such a linkage orgear arrangement can be driven by falling ballast member 500 and/or byharvesting the potential energy of the fluid exiting downward throughopenable bottom(s) (78 a, 78 a′), as described above.

FIGS. 19A-19K depict various views of a seventh embodiment 10 g of thepresent apparatuses that is especially suitable for extracting energyfrom wind. FIG. 19A depicts a cross-sectional view of apparatus 10 gcoupled (e.g., pivotally) to the top of a tower 600 (similar to awindmill); FIGS. 19B-19D depict cross-sectional views of a portion ofapparatus 10 g in various stages of operation; FIGS. 19E-19F depictenlarged views of certain details of apparatus 10 g illustrating theoperation of an exhaust mechanism and transfer mechanism of theapparatus; FIGS. 19G-19J depict enlarged cross-sectional views ofcertain components that control the position of the partition(s) ofapparatus 10 g; and FIG. 19G depicts a transfer mechanism and flywheelsuitable for at least some embodiments of apparatus 10 g. Apparatus 10 gis similar in some respects to apparatus 10 a. For example, apparatus 10g also comprises: a body 22 d defining a channel 26 d (e.g., with asubstantially closed and/or closable cross-section, as described above)having a central longitudinal axis 34 d, an inlet 54 d, and an outlet 58d. As with apparatus 10 a, apparatus 10 g comprises a partition 107 ccoupled to channel 26 d (e.g., coupled to body 22 d) such that partition107 c can move in a (e.g., linear) downstream direction 38 (e.g.,parallel to longitudinal axis 34 a) that extends away from inlet 54 d,or in an (e.g., linear) upstream direction 42 that extends toward inlet54 d (e.g., parallel to longitudinal axis 34 d). While described with asingle channel 26 d, apparatus 10 g can also be configured to includedual channels, as with the embodiments described above.

However, apparatus 10 g differs from apparatus 10 a in the particularconstruction and function of its partitions and exhaust mechanism. Forexample, partition 107 c includes a flexible sheet, and apparatus 10 gfurther comprises a second partition 107 d that also includes a flexiblesheet. In this embodiment, apparatus 10 g further comprises a pair ofguides 604 disposed on opposing sides of channel 26 d (only one shown,but the second a mirror image of the depicted first guide), each guide604 defining a first closed-loop path 608 and a second closed-loop path612 that partially overlaps first closed-loop path 608 (e.g., thatoverlaps in a portion 616 that may be referred to as a return portion).In the embodiment shown, apparatus 10 g further includes a first chain620 coupled to one of the guides (604) and movable along first path 608,and a second chain 624 coupled to one of the guides (604) and movablealong second path 612. In other embodiments, the chains may be replacedwith belts or the like, and the sprockets may be replaced with pulleysor the like, that permit apparatus 10 g to function as described in thisdisclosure. In this embodiment, first and second ends 628 a and 632 a ofpartition 107 c are coupled to sprockets 636 a and 640 a that areconfigured to be alternatingly coupled to first and second chains 620,624 such that: movement of partition 107 c in downstream direction 38encourages movement of at least one (e.g., both, in the embodimentshown) of the first and second chains in counterclockwise direction 644(which rotates flywheel 700, as described in more detail below).

During operation of apparatus 10 g, chain 620 moves continuously alongpath 608 in counterclockwise direction 644, and chain 624 movescontinuously along path 612 in counterclockwise direction 644. Whenpartition 107 c is in the position of FIG. 19B, sprocket 640 a isengaged with chain 620 such that second end 632 a of partition 107 c iscarried in direction 644 toward the fully deployed position of FIG. 19Cin which partition 107 c spans the entire height of channel 26 d, asshown, and in which sprocket 640 a is coupled to (e.g., engaged with)chain 620 and sprocket 636 a becomes coupled to (e.g., engaged with)chain 624. In this position, air flowing into channel 26 d isencapsulated and imparts a force on partition 107 c in downstreamdirection 38. Because the sprockets of partition 107 c are coupled tothe chains, the force on partition 107 c (and the kinetic energy of theair flowing into the channel) is transferred to the chains in the formof a force encouraging chains 620, 624 to continue to move incounterclockwise direction 644. The force on the chains is, in turn,transferred to the load (e.g., flywheel 700), as described in moredetail below. As partition 107 c continues to move in downward direction38, as shown in FIG. 19D, the load coupled to chains 620, 624 tends toresist movement of partition 107 c through a reactionary force inupstream direction 42, and thereby slows the mass of fluid andeventually decreases the velocity of the fluid to zero (even if onlymomentarily) at or near the point where partition 107 c reaches itsdownstream position (corresponding to the position of second partition107 d in FIG. 19B).

In the embodiment shown, first and second ends 628 b and 632 b ofpartition 107 d are coupled to sprockets 636 b and 640 b that are alsoconfigured to be alternatingly coupled to first and second chains 620,624 such that: movement of partition 107 d in downstream direction 38encourages movement of at least one (e.g., both, in the embodimentshown) of the first and second chains in counterclockwise direction 644(which rotates flywheel 700, as described in more detail below). Thefunction of partition 107 d is also similar to the function of partition107 c. For example, the beginning of a stroke from an upstream positionof partition 107 c (FIG. 19B) is described above, but is alsorepresentative of the beginning of a stroke for partition 107 d.Likewise, the end of a stroke for partition 107 d, as shown from FIGS.19B-19D is representative of the end of a stroke for partition 107 c. Inthe embodiment shown, as partition 107 d reaches the downstream positionillustrated in FIG. 19F, the aggregate velocity in downstream direction38 of the mass of fluid reaches zero (even if only momentarily, at themoment that the fluid flow stops driving partition 107 d and chain 620begins to drive partition 107 d), at which point the kinetic energy ofthe fluid has been substantially stripped and transferred to chains 620,624. However, the exhaust mechanism of apparatus 10 f is configured tothen position both ends 628 b, 632 b of partition 107 d on a single(e.g., upper, as shown) side of channel 26 d (FIG. 19D) to permit thefluid to exit the channel through outlet 58 d. In particular, as thevelocity of the fluid reaches zero, the fluid flow stops providing anydriving force to partition 107 d and chain 620 instead begins to providethe driving force to move partition 107 d. At or near this point,sprocket 640 b remains coupled to chain 644, and sprocket 636 btransitions from being coupled to chain 624 to being coupled to chain620 (in overlapping path portion 616) such that chain 620 drivespartition 107 d to a single (e.g., upper, as shown) side of channel 26 das shown in FIGS. 19C-19 d, to move partition 107 d in upstreamdirection 42 as partition 107 c moves in downstream direction. It shouldbe appreciated that, because each partition does not extend acrosschannel 26 d when moving in upstream direction 42, the energy needed tomove each partition is much less than the energy that can be harvestedwith the other partition that is moving in downstream direction 38.

As shown in detail in FIGS. 19G-19J, guide 604 can comprise a gate 648at the upstream intersection of paths 608 and path 612 to control theposition of the partitions (e.g., partition 107 d, as shown). In theembodiment shown, gate 648 is pivotally coupled to guide 604 at an axis652. In this embodiment, gate 648 includes a first lever 656, a secondlever 660 angled relative to first lever 656, and a third lever 664angled relative to both of first and second levers 656, 660. FIG. 19Gillustrates gate 648 in a first position in which first lever 656extends into path 608, and second lever 660 extends across the openingbetween path 608 and path 612, such that as partition 107 d movesupstream in counterclockwise direction 644 (upstream direction 42), thesprocket (e.g., 636 b, as shown) on the leading edge or side of thepartition is carried in direction 644 by chain 620, the leading sprocket(636 b) pushes first lever 656 to pivot gate 648 in a counterclockwisedirection from the first position of FIG. 19G to a second position shownin FIG. 19H. In the second position shown in FIG. 19H, first lever 656contacts guide 604 to prevent further counterclockwise rotation of gate,second lever 660 extends into first path 608, and third lever 664extends into second path 612. As the sprocket (e.g., 640 b, as shown) onthe trailing edge or side of the partition is carried in direction 644by chain 620, the trailing sprocket (640 b) contacts and is directeddown by second lever 660, as indicated in FIG. 19I. As the trailingsprocket (640 b) enters second path 612, the sprocket (640 b) pushesthird lever 664 and rotates gate 648 in a clockwise direction, returningthe gate to its starting position of FIG. 19G. With gate 648 returned toits starting position is primed to permit the leading sprocket (636 a)of the next partition (107 c) to continue in path 608, and then todirect the trailing sprocket (640) of the next partition (107 c) intosecond path 612, and so on.

As indicated in FIG. 19J, each end of each partition can be carried by ashaft or rod 668 that extends across the width of channel 26 d. In someembodiments, each such shaft or rod includes a second sprocket or wheelat its opposite end, such that the structured described above can beduplicated for a second side of the channel (e.g., a second set of twochains like 620, 624; four sprockets 636 a, 636 b, 640 a, 640 b; and thelike). In other embodiments, the oppose side of each such shaft or rodis coupled to a wheel such that the chains and sprockets described aboveare disposed only on a single (e.g., left or right) side of the channel.In further embodiments, first chain 620 and corresponding sprockets aredisposed on a first (e.g., left or right) side of channel 26 d, andsecond chain 628 and corresponding sprockets are disposed on the other(e.g., right or left) side of channel 26 d.

FIG. 19K depicts on example of a load comprising a flywheel that can becoupled to partitions 107 c and 107 d (e.g., via chain 620 and/or chain624) to provide the resistance (energy sink) to slow and capture kineticenergy from fluids flowing into the channel. In the embodiment shown,flywheel 700 is coupled to shaft 704 such that flywheel 700 is free torotate. In this embodiment, a shaft 128 is coupled (via a sprocket orthe like) to chain 620 and/or chain 624. Shaft 128 can then be coupledto shaft 704 by gears, pulleys, or the like to permit shaft 128 to driveflywheel 700 via shaft 704 when fluid in channel 26 d drives thepartitions, and to permit flywheel 700 to drive shaft 128 (and chains620, 624) via shaft 704 when the fluid has been stopped in channel 26 dand/or when the partitions are otherwise not being driven in channel 26b. For example, in the embodiment shown, shaft 128 is coupled to shaft704 via two cone-pulley assemblies 708, 712 having cone pullies thatfunction similar to those described above. In this embodiment, assembly708 includes a driving cone pulley 716 coupled to shaft 128 by a one-wayclutch, and a driven cone pulley 720 coupled to shaft 704 by a one-wayclutch, such that pulleys 716 and 720 engage to transfer torque fromshaft 128 to shaft 704 when shaft 128 is driven, but can freewheelrelative to their respective shafts when shaft 704 is driven byflywheel. Similarly, in this embodiment, assembly 712 includes a drivingcone pulley 724 coupled to shaft 704 by a one-way clutch, and a drivencone pulley 728 coupled to shaft 128 by a one-way clutch, such thatpulleys 724 and 728 engage to transfer torque from shaft 704 to shaft128 when shaft 704 is driven, but can freewheel relative to theirrespective shafts when shaft 128 is driven by the partitions. In thisconfiguration, assembly 708 converts driving torque on shaft 128 intotorque on shaft 704 when shaft 128 is driven by the partitions, andmaximizes the mechanical advantage on shaft 704 when shaft 128 firstbegins to drive shaft 704 while decreasing the mechanical advantage asshaft 704 accelerates. Similarly, in this configuration, assembly 712converts driving torque on shaft 704 into torque on shaft 128 when shaft704 is driven by flywheel 700, and maximizes the mechanical advantage onshaft 128 when shaft 704 first begins to drive shaft 128 whiledecreasing the mechanical advantage on shaft 128 as shaft 128accelerates.

As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, thealternating coupling or engagement of the partitions (e.g., viasprockets) to the chains can be accomplished by having portions of thechains covered and uncovered in various portions of paths 608 and 612.For example, in the embodiment shown, chain 624 is covered or otherwisepositioned in overlapping path portion 616 such that the sprockets onlycouple to (e.g., engage) chain 620 in overlapping path portion 616.Similarly, in this embodiment, a portion of chain 624 is covered at theentrance to the lower (non-overlapping) portion of path 612 such that asprocket (e.g., 636 a in FIG. 19B) on the leading edge or side of apartition (e.g., 107 c) does not couple to chain 624 until chain 620 hascarried the trailing edge or side of the partition (e.g., via sprocket632 a) to the lower portion of path 608, as shown in FIG. 19C, at whichpoint both sprockets couple to the respective chains and are carriedtogether by the partition in downstream direction 38 (as shown in FIG.19C-19D). Various implementations of such configurations andorientations of chains are readily implemented by those of ordinaryskill in the art, and may, for example, be similar to orientations andconfigurations of chains in various other devices and systems (e.g.,rollercoasters, where a carriage may be coupled to a chain when goinguphill and de-coupled from the chain to freely roll along a track orguide when going downhill). In other embodiments, the chains may bereplaced with belts or the like, and the sprockets may be replaced withpulleys or the like, that permit apparatus 10 g to function as describedabove. Flywheel 700 can be coupled to a generator or accumulator asdescribed above for the other embodiments. Such a generator oraccumulator can be disposed at the top of tower 600 with apparatus 10 g,or can be disposed at the bottom of the tower, such as, for example, asmay be done for windmills.

The above specification and examples provide a complete description ofthe structure and use of exemplary embodiments. Although certainembodiments have been described above with a certain degree ofparticularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments,those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to thedisclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of thisinvention. As such, the various illustrative embodiments of the presentdevices are not intended to be limited to the particular formsdisclosed. Rather, they include all modifications and alternativesfalling within the scope of the claims, and embodiments other than theone shown may include some or all of the features of the depictedembodiment(s). For example, components may be combined as a unitarystructure, and/or connections may be substituted. Further, whereappropriate, aspects of any of the examples described above may becombined with aspects of any of the other examples described to formfurther examples having comparable or different properties andaddressing the same or different problems. Similarly, it will beunderstood that the benefits and advantages described above may relateto one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments.

The claims are not intended to include, and should not be interpreted toinclude, means-plus- or step-plus-function limitations, unless such alimitation is explicitly recited in a given claim using the phrase(s)“means for” or “step for,” respectively.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a body defining anencapsulation channel having an inlet and an outlet that is distinctfrom the inlet; a partition coupled to the channel such that thepartition can move in a downstream direction that extends away from theinlet, or in an upstream direction that extends toward the inlet; and anexhaust mechanism, at least a portion of the exhaust mechanism beingmore directly coupled to the body than to the partition; where thepartition is configured to be coupled to a load such that if a mass offluid enters the inlet of the channel with an initial flow velocity inthe downstream direction, the partition will decrease the flow velocityof the mass to zero and transfer a portion of the kinetic energy of themass of fluid to the load; and where the exhaust mechanism is configuredto be actuated by downstream movement of the partition to, after theflow velocity reaches zero, exhaust the mass of fluid from the channelthrough the outlet.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, where the partition isconfigured to be alternated between: (i) a closed state in which thepartition will move in the downstream direction if a mass of fluid flowsinto the channel; and (ii) an open state in which the partition willpermit liquid to flow through the partition.
 3. The apparatus of claim2, where the body defines a second encapsulation channel having aninlet, and an outlet, the apparatus further comprising: a secondpartition coupled to the second channel such that the second partitioncan move in a downstream direction that extends away from the inlet, orin an upstream direction that extends toward the inlet; and a secondexhaust mechanism, at least a portion of the second exhaust mechanismbeing more directly coupled to the body than to the second partition;where the second partition is configured to be coupled to a load suchthat if a mass of fluid enters the inlet of the second channel with aninitial flow velocity in the downstream direction, the second partitionwill decrease the flow velocity of the mass to zero and transfer aportion of the kinetic energy of the mass of fluid to the load; wherethe second exhaust mechanism is configured to, after the flow velocityreaches zero, exhaust the mass of fluid from the second channel; andwhere the second exhaust mechanism comprises an openable second bottomin the second channel, the openable second bottom configured to bealternated between: (i) a closed state in which liquid is substantiallyprevented from flowing out of the second channel through the secondbottom; and (ii) an open state in which liquid is permitted to flow outof the second channel through the second bottom.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 3, where the second partition is configured to be alternatedbetween: (i) a closed state in which the second partition will move inthe downstream direction if a mass of fluid flows into the channel; and(ii) an open state in which the second partition will permit liquid toflow through the second partition; and where the second bottom iscoupled to the second partition such that the second bottom is in theclosed state when the second partition is in the closed state.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 4, further comprising: a first barrier coupled to theinlet of the first channel, the first barrier configured to bealternated between: (i) a closed state in which liquid is substantiallyprevented from flowing into the first channel; and (ii) an open state inwhich liquid is permitted to flow into the first channel; and a secondbarrier coupled to the inlet of the second channel, the second barrierconfigured to be alternated between: (i) a closed state in which liquidis substantially prevented from flowing into the second channel; and(ii) an open state in which liquid is permitted to flow into the secondchannel.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, where the exhaust mechanism isconfigured to intake liquid flowing adjacent to the channel to exhaustthe mass of fluid.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, where the exhaustmechanism comprises a second channel having an inlet and an outlet, theapparatus further comprising: a first barrier between the first channeland the second channel, the first barrier configured to be alternatedbetween: (i) a closed state in which liquid is substantially preventedfrom flowing from the second channel into the first channel; and (ii) anopen state in which liquid is permitted to flow from the second channelinto the first channel; and where the partition is configured to bealternated between: (i) a closed state in which the partition will movein the downstream direction if a mass of fluid flows into the channel;and (ii) an open state in which the partition will permit liquid to flowthrough the partition; and where the first barrier is coupled to thepartition such that the first barrier is in the closed state when thepartition moves in the downstream direction.
 8. The apparatus of claim7, further comprising: a second barrier extending across the secondchannel, the second barrier disposed between the first barrier and theoutlet of the second channel, and the second barrier configured to bealternated between: (i) an open state in which liquid is permitted toflow out of the second channel through the outlet; and (ii) a closedstate in which the second barrier is configured to resist liquid flowout of the second channel through the outlet.
 9. A method comprising:receiving kinetic energy from the partition of an apparatus of claim 1;where the apparatus is disposed in fluid communication with a body ofwater such that the inlet can receive liquid from the body of waterthrough the first end of the channel(s).
 10. A method comprising:receiving kinetic energy from the partition of an apparatus of claim 7;where the apparatus is disposed in fluid communication with a body ofwater such that the inlet can receive liquid from the body of waterthrough the first end of the channel(s); and where the apparatus is atleast partially submerged in a river or other flowing waterway.
 11. Amethod comprising: receiving kinetic energy from the partition of anapparatus of claim 8; where the apparatus is disposed in fluidcommunication with a body of water such that the inlet can receiveliquid from the body of water through the first end of the channel(s);and where one or more flow resistance modifiers (FRMS) are disposedbetween the apparatus and at least one bank of the river or otherflowing waterway.
 12. A system comprising: an apparatus of claim 1; andone or more mechanical energy-storage devices coupled to the partitionof the apparatus, each mechanical energy-storage device comprising: aninput shaft; an input gear coupled in fixed relation to the input shaft;an outer gear; an inner planetary gear having a smaller diameter thanthe outer gear, the inner planetary gear configured to engage the inputgear such that rotation of the input gear in a first direction causesrotation of the inner planetary gear in a second direction; a coilspring coupled to the outer gear and the inner planetary gear such thatrotation of the inner planetary gear in the second direction withoutrotation of the outer gear will charge the spring; where the input shaftis coupled to the partition such that movement of the partition causesrotation of the input gear in the first direction.